Decoding the hat-tricks in T20 World Cups
The 2024 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup is just around the corner. The gala tournament will be underway on June 1 with USA and West Indies being the hosts. Meanwhile, the past eight editions of the T20 World Cup have witnessed some exciting battles between the bat and the ball. Here we decode the hat-tricks in T20 WCs.
Brett Lee versus Bangladesh, 2007
Australia's Brett Lee was the first bowler to claim a hat-trick in the T20 World Cup. In 2007, he ran through the Bangladesh batting line-up in the Cape Town match. The right-arm speedster dismissed Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, and Alok Kapali in the 16th over as Bangladesh were restricted to 123/8 while batting first. Lee's 3/27 was instrumental to Australia's nine-wicket triumph.
Curtis Campher's double hat-trick versus Netherlands, 2021
Ireland's Curtis Campher scripted history by taking a double hat-trick against Netherlands in the 2021 event. He took four wickets in as many balls in the 10th over as the likes of Colin Ackermann, Ryan ten Doeschate, Scott Edwards, and Roelof van der Merwe fell to him. Campher finished with 4/26 in his four overs as Ireland won by seven wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga versus South Africa, 2021
Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga spun his web against South Africa in the 2021 match in Sharjah He brought SL back in the hunt by grabbing a hat-trick in the 18th over. Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Dwaine Pretorius were his victims. Hasaranga's 3/20 in four overs went in vain as SA won by four wickets.
Kagiso Rabada versus England, 2021
South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada was tasked to defend 13 runs in the final over versus England in the 2021 game in Sharjah. He dismissed Chris Woakes, Eoin Morgan, and Chris Jordan off the first three balls as SA eventually won by 10 runs. Rabada, who was expensive in his previous overs, finished with 3/48 in four overs.
Karthik Meiyappan versus Sri Lanka, 2022
In 2022, UAE's Karthik Meiyappan became the first Associate team player to take a T20 WC hat-trick. The leg-spinner, who grabbed figures worth 3/19 against Sri Lanka, dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, and Dasun Shanaka off successive deliveries in the 15th over. His brilliance meant SL were restricted to 152/8 while batting first in Geelong. However, UAE were folded for 73 in reply.
Joshua Little versus New Zealand, 2022
Ireland pacer Joshua Little recorded a memorable hat-trick against New Zealand during in the 2022 T20 WC game in Adelaide. He dismissed Kane Williamson, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner on successive deliveries in the 19th over. The left-arm pacer recorded figures of 3/22 in his four overs. Despite his efforts, NZ (185/6) comfortably won the duel by 35 runs.
