New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will return home for the birth of his first child during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to the ICC website. Ferguson’s departure does not necessarily mean the end of his participation in the tournament, as he could rejoin the squad in the subcontinent if the Black Caps progress to the Super 8 stage and he is able to travel back in time.
New Zealand remain contenders for a Super 8 place after winning their opening matches against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, despite a recent defeat to South Africa. Ferguson will miss New Zealand’s final Group D match against Canada on Tuesday, a crucial game for securing qualification depending on other results.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter has expressed support for Ferguson’s decision to be with his family. “It’s an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma and we’re pleased that he’ll be at home for such a special occasion. At this stage, we won’t be replacing Lockie in the squad as the plan would be for him to return for the Super 8 phase of the tournament. But our travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called into the squad should we need them,” Walter said.
In New Zealand’s loss to South Africa, the Proteas won the toss and chose to field first, restricting New Zealand to 175 for 7. Opener Finn Allen scored 31 runs from 17 balls, while Mark Chapman contributed 48 in 26 balls and Daryl Mitchell 32 in 24 balls. James Neesham added an unbeaten 23 from 15 balls. Marco Jansen was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 4 for 40 in four overs.
During the run chase, South African batsmen Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock began aggressively, putting on 62 runs in 4.4 overs before de Kock was dismissed for 20 from 14 balls. De Kock reached a career milestone of 3,000 T20 International runs, with 3,018 runs in 105 matches at an average of 31.76 and a strike rate of 142.42, including two centuries and 19 half-centuries.
Bavuma went on to score a rapid 50 from 19 balls, while South Africa’s captain finished unbeaten on 86 from 44 balls with eight fours and four sixes. Ryan Rickelton (21 in 11 balls), Dewald Brevis (21 in 17 balls), and David Miller (24 not out in 17 balls) each contributed quick cameos as South Africa reached the target in 17.1 overs.…Read more by By TNM (With ANI Inputs)