The Hundred tournament has witnessed some awe-inspiring displays of bowling prowess that have left fans enthralled and batsmen in awe. From remarkable hat tricks to spellbinding figures, bowlers have taken centre stage and showcased their mastery of the craft.
Let’s explore some unforgettable moments where bowlers have truly shone in this exhilarating competition.
Imran Tahir Hattrick Vs Welsh Fire
The combined efforts of the youngest and oldest players in the men’s Hundred, representing Birmingham Phoenix, led to a remarkable 93-run triumph over Welsh Fire at Edgbaston. Imran Tahir, aged 42 and the tournament’s oldest participant, achieved a remarkable hat-trick to close out Welsh Fire’s disappointing innings, securing a final tally of 5-25.
This came following an impressive performance by 19-year-old Will Smeed, the youngest player in the tournament, who played an unbeaten 65 off 38 balls, propelling Phoenix to their highest score of 184-5. Moeen Ali, the captain, also contributed a rapid 59 off 28 balls.
In contrast, Welsh Fire faltered in their reply, losing wickets consistently and finishing at just 91 all out from 74 deliveries. With this victory, Birmingham Phoenix ascended to the top of the table, surpassing Trent Rockets on net run rate.
Imran Tahir, who debuted in first-class cricket five years before Will Smeed’s birth, was acquired by Manchester Originals but later released during the pandemic-induced re-drafting. Tahir’s hat-trick was a spectacular moment, culminating in his celebratory laps around the field after dismissing three consecutive batsmen with exceptional deliveries.
Alana King Hattrick Vs Manchester Originals
A leg-spinner’s fantastic performance of 4-15 propelled Trent Rockets to a commanding 43-run win against Manchester Originals. In pursuit of 120 for victory, the Originals faltered and were dismissed for a mere 76. Alana King of Australia achieved a historic milestone in women’s cricket, securing the inaugural hat-trick in The Hundred.
This achievement came two weeks after she narrowly missed accomplishing the same feat at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. King’s hat trick involved taking out Cordelia Griffith, Sophie Ecclestone, and Kate Cross consecutively during the match at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old paid homage to her role model, the late Australian spin legend Shane Warne, following her remarkable debut in the 100-ball format.
Expressing her feelings, she stated, “I hope he’s looking down and pretty proud that I’ve spun a few today; it’s just a special place Old Trafford and I’m glad I could take some wickets here.” King also celebrated her previous accomplishment as part of the Australian team that clinched the gold medal during the introduction of women’s Twenty20 cricket at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Shabnim Ismail Hattrick Vs Birmingham Phoenix
Shabnim Ismail‘s exceptional performance propelled Welsh Fire to a thrilling Hundred victory in a nail-biting clash against Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston.
Ismail’s incredible hat-trick on the final three balls of the innings secured a dramatic win by three runs, preventing Birmingham Phoenix from scoring the crucial four runs required for victory.
The South African seamer’s composed display was the defining factor in this match, as she finished with figures of three for 31. Despite Phoenix’s pursuit of 137 for victory, they fell agonizingly short at 134 for four, succumbing to a heartbreaking defeat.
Watch the Video Clip Here:
4 runs needed off 3 balls. What a time to get a match-winning hat-trick, Shabnam Ismail!#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/cypKJauHzh
— FanCode (@FanCode) August 11, 2023
Tymal Mills Hattrick Vs Welsh Fire
Mills secured a hat-trick in the final three balls of the Welsh Fire’s innings, dismissing Ben Green, Haris Rauf, and David Payne with slower deliveries.
His impressive performance included taking four wickets for just 13 runs off 20 balls, which played a crucial part in Southern Brave restricting Welsh Fire to a low score of 87.
Slow balls get you hat-tricks too! 🐢
— FanCode (@FanCode) August 13, 2023
Tymal Mills bags the 2nd ever hat-trick in The Hundred. #TheHundred pic.twitter.com/qwbwbbMM1J
In pursuit of the target of 88 runs, Finn Allen’s quick 31 runs off 22 balls provided a strong start for the Brave. Fellow New Zealand opener Devon Conway added 35 runs, playing a significant role in the comfortable nine-wicket victory with 41 balls remaining.
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