New Zealand beat PNG to end campaign on a high mharis

• Devon Convey was top scorer with 35 runs.
• Kiwis lost their two initial games to Afghanistan and West Indies.
• New Zealand could not qualify for Super 8 stage.

New Zealand beat Papua New Guinea by seven wickets in their last game of the T20 World Cup 2024, to end their disappointing campaign on a high note.

Chasing 79, New Zealand reached the target in 12.2 overs. Devon Conway led the scoring with 35 runs off 32 balls, while skipper Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell added 18 and 19 runs, respectively.

Kabua Morea took two wickets for PNG, and Semo Kamea claimed one. Earlier, New Zealand bowled out Papua New Guinea for 78 after winning the toss and opting to bowl first.

Lockie was the pick of the bowler for New Zealand with his record equalling spell of three wickets giving away no run at all. He is only the second bowler to achieve this feat in T20 World Cups. Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi all got two wickets each. 

Charles Amini was the top scorer for PNG with 17 while Norman Manua scored 14 runs. 

Both the teams have already been eliminated from the tournament. New Zealand were knocked out of the competition after losing their two initial games against Afghanistan and West Indies.

Teams:

Papua New Guinea: Assad Vala (c), Tony Ura, Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Chad Soper, Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, Kabua Morea, Semo Kamea

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult