Indian-origin bowler Karthik Meiyappan joined the elite list of bowlers to pick up a hat-trick in T20 World Cup history since its inception in 2007. He achieved the feat against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, October 18.
It is a privilege for any type of bowler across any format to pick three wickets in succession. World Cup is a platform for any player to represent his or her country. The shortest format provides equal opportunities that can change the course of the game with his match-winning spell. Since its inaugural edition in 2007, only four bowlers had the privilege to grab a hat trick.
Here we look at the 5 bowlers to take a hat-trick in T20 World Cup history.
#1 Brett Lee
Brett Lee became the first bowler to grab a hat-trick during the inaugural edition of the World Cup in 2007. He achieved this feat during the Super 8 match against Bangladesh played at Newlands, Cape Town on September 16.
Lee was at his best-taking wickets of Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, and Alok Kapali to grab their first hat trick in the T20I format. His performance helped Australia restrict Bangladesh to 123 for 8 in 20 overs. The fast bowler ended with figures of 3/27 in his four overs.
In reply, Australia chased down the target of 124 with 9 wickets remaining and 37 balls to spare. For his hat trick, Brett Lee was named Player of the Match award.
#2 Curtis Campher
Curtis Campher became the first Ireland bowler to grab a hat-trick in the T20I format. The pacer enjoyed success in the opening match of the qualifying round of Group A during the 2021 T20 World Cup against the Netherlands on October 18 at Sheikh Zayed International Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
He rattled the Dutch batting line up taking wickets of Colin Ackermann, Ryan Ten Doeschate and Scott Edwards in the 10th over. Campher then joined the elite list grabbing the fourth wicket in succession to Roelof van der Merwe.
He was superb with his line and length ending with figures of 4/26 in his four overs. His performance helped Ireland bowl out the Netherlands for 106. In reply, the Netherlands chased down the target easily by seven wickets.
#3 Wanidnu Hasaranga
The crafty leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga showed his class by displaying great skills with the ball picking up a hat-trick against South Africa. He achieved this feat during the Group 1 match of the Super 12 stage at Sharjah Cricket Ground, Sharjah on October 30, 2021.
Sri Lanka could only post 142 in their 20 overs thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s 72. Hasaranga became the first Lankan bowler to grab a hat trick during T20 World Cup history. The youngster produced a brilliant spell dismissing Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Dwaine Pretorius.
He picked up the wicket of Markram in the 15th over, followed by two wickets in succession during the 18th over.
Despite Hasaranga’s spell, South Africa won the match thanks to David Miller and Kagiso Rabada’s class. He finished with figures of 3 for 20 in his four overs.
#4 Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada joined the list of elite bowlers to grab a hat-trick in the last edition of the T20 World Cup. He achieved this feat during the last Group 1 Super 12 match against England at Sharjah Cricket Ground, Sharjah on November 6, 2021.
After posting 189/2 in 20 overs, South Africa needed to win by some margin to qualify for the semi-finals. Rabada held his nerves to take the wickets of Chris Woakes, Eoin Morgan, and Chris Jordan in the final over.
Despite going for runs, Rabada ended with figures of 3/48 in his four overs. All three batters were dismissed caught. South Africa won the match by 10 runs and hence, couldn’t qualify for the semi-finals.
#5 Karthik Meiyappan
Karthik Meiyappan became the first UAE bowler to grab a hat-trick in T20 World Cup history. He proved his worth with a wonderful hat trick in the Group A match of the qualifying round of the T20 World Cup 2022 played at Kardinia Park, Geelong on October 18, 2022.
Meiyappan was at his prime getting wickets of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanaka, and captain Dasun Shanaka. Rajapaksa and Asalanaka were caught while Shanaka was cleaned up with a beauty. Meiyappan ended with figures of 3 for 19 in four overs conceding only 1 six.
Despite his impressive performance, UAE lost the match badly by 79 runs. Sri Lanka posted 152/8 in 20 overs thanks to Nissanka’s 74.
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