
Cricket, a game filled with nail-biting moments, incredible displays of skill, and unforgettable performances, has witnessed some of the most spectacular moments when bowlers snatch three wickets in a row, achieving what is known as a hat-trick. In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of ODI cricket to unveil the top cricketers who have claimed multiple hat-tricks in their illustrious careers.
Lasith Malinga – The Hat-Trick Maestro
Hat-Trick 1: South Africa, 2007 World Cup
- Date: 28/03/2007
- Victims: SM Pollock, AJ Hall, JH Kallis, M Ntini
- Match Details: Lasith Malinga‘s first hat-trick in ODIs occurred during the 2007 World Cup match against South Africa. He took four wickets in a row, leaving the cricketing world in awe of his prowess.
Hat-Trick 2: Kenya, 2011
- Date: 01/03/2011
- Victims: T Mishra, PJ Ongondo, SO Ngoche
- Match Details: In a clash against Kenya, Malinga showcased his mastery again with a hat-trick. His lethal yorkers left the Kenyan batsmen flummoxed.
Hat-Trick 3: Australia, 2011
- Date: 22/08/2011
- Victims: MG Johnson, JW Hastings, XJ Doherty
- Match Details: Malinga’s third hat-trick, this time against Australia, solidified his status as a hat-trick maestro. His precision and pace were unmatched.
Wasim Akram – Pakistan’s Bowling Maestro
Hat-Trick 1: West Indies, 1989
- Date: 14/10/1989
- Victims: PJL Dujon, MD Marshall, CEL Ambrose
- Match Details: Wasim Akram, a legend of Pakistan cricket, achieved his first hat-trick against the West Indies in 1989. His swing and seam movement were a sight to behold.
Hat-Trick 2: Australia, 1990
- Date: 04/05/1990
- Victims: MG Hughes, CG Rackemann, TM Alderman
- Match Details: Akram’s second hat-trick, this time against Australia, showcased his ability to deliver on the big stage. His deliveries were a nightmare for the Australian batsmen.
Also Read: List A records: Highest team List A scores in history
Saqlain Mushtaq – The Spin Wizard
Hat-Trick 1: Zimbabwe, 1996
- Date: 03/11/1996
- Victims: GW Flower, JA Rennie, AR Whittall
- Match Details: Saqlain Mushtaq, a master of spin bowling, claimed his first hat-trick against Zimbabwe in 1996. His guile and variations left Zimbabwean batsmen baffled.
Hat-Trick 2: Zimbabwe, 1999
- Date: 11/06/1999
- Victims: HK Olonga, AG Huckle, M Mbangwa
- Match Details: In a repeat performance against Zimbabwe in 1999, Saqlain Mushtaq once again weaved his magic with a hat-trick. His impeccable control over spin was on full display.
Chaminda Vaas – Sri Lanka’s Swing King
Hat-Trick 1: Zimbabwe, 2001
- Date: 08/12/2001
- Victims: SV Carlisle, CB Wishart, T Taibu
- Match Details: Chaminda Vaas, known for his swing bowling, etched his name in history with his first hat-trick against Zimbabwe in 2001. He dismantled the Zimbabwean batting lineup with precision.
Hat-Trick 2: Bangladesh, 2003
- Date: 14/02/2003
- Victims: Hannan Sarkar, Mohammad Ashraful, Ehsanul Haque
- Match Details: Vaas continued his hat-trick heroics, this time against Bangladesh in 2003. His ability to move the ball made him a lethal force in ODI cricket.
Trent Boult – New Zealand’s Pace Sensation
Hat-Trick 1: Pakistan, 2018
- Date: 07/11/2018
- Victims: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez
- Match Details: Trent Boult, New Zealand’s pace sensation, announced his arrival in the hat-trick club with a stunning performance against Pakistan in 2018. His swing and yorkers were a nightmare for the Pakistani batsmen.
Hat-Trick 2: Australia, 2019
- Date: 29/06/2019
- Victims: UT Khawaja, MA Starc, JP Behrendorff
- Match Details: Boult’s second hat-trick, this time against Australia, showcased his consistency and skill in delivering unplayable deliveries. His mastery over seam movement was a treat to watch.
In the world of cricket, hat-tricks are rare and mesmerizing moments that captivate fans worldwide. These five remarkable bowlers have etched their names in history with their astounding hat-trick achievements. Their skill, dedication, and passion for the game have left an indelible mark on the world of cricket, inspiring future generations of bowlers to aim for greatness.