These men have achieved the unthinkable in bowling!
Dismissing four batters in consecutive deliveries is a challenging feat, yet a few bowlers have accomplished the extraordinary by taking 4 wickets in 4 consecutive balls. This rare achievement, known as a double hat-trick, highlights exceptional bowling powers and precision. Only a select few bowlers have reached this remarkable milestone. In this article, we'll explore the bowlers who have achieved the elusive double hat-trick in international cricket.
Lasith Malinga achieved the first-ever double hat-trick in international cricket during the 2007 ODI World Cup match against South Africa. While South Africa was chasing a target of 210 runs set by Sri Lanka, they were well-positioned at 206 for 5. Malinga turned the game dramatically with his remarkable bowling. In the 45th over, he clean-bowled Shaun Pollock with a slower ball and had Andrew Hall caught out. Malinga returned in the 47th over to dismiss Jacques Kallis and Makhaya Ntini, securing 4 wickets in 4 balls. Despite his efforts, South Africa's last pair managed to secure victory.
Rashid Khan became the first bowler to achieve a double hat-trick in T20I cricket during a 2019 match against Ireland. Chasing a target of 211 runs, Ireland’s middle order was dismantled by the Afghan spinner. Rashid struck by dismissing Kevin O’Brien on the last ball of the 16th over. In the 18th over, he continued his spell by catching George Dockrell, then stumping Shane Getkate, and dismissing Simi Singh LBW. This left Ireland struggling at 158 for 7. Rashid Khan eventually took one more wicket, finishing with figures of 5 for 27 and leading Afghanistan to a 32-run victory.
Lasith Malinga made headlines again with his double hat-trick against New Zealand in a T20I match in 2019. This achievement made him the first bowler to record double hat-tricks in both ODIs and T20Is. In that game, Sri Lanka was defending a modest target of 126 runs and needed early breakthroughs. Captain Malinga delivered exactly that. In the third over, he dismantled New Zealand’s top order, starting with clean-bowling Colin Munro and getting Hamish Rutherford LBW on the fourth ball. He continued his impressive spell by dismissing Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor for ducks on the next two deliveries, leaving New Zealand reeling at 15 for 4. Unable to recover, the Kiwis were all out for 88 runs.
In the 2021 T20 World Cup, Ireland's Curtis Campher made a significant impact against the Netherlands in the group stage. After the Netherlands had reached 50 for 2 at the end of 9 overs, Campher entered the attack and turned the game in Ireland's favor. On the second ball of the 10th over, the medium pacer dismissed Colin Ackermann caught behind. He then proceeded to take out Ryan ten Doeschate, Scott Edwards, and Roelof van der Merwe for ducks on the next three deliveries. This explosive performance left the Netherlands struggling at 51 for 6.
In January 2022, Jason Holder achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the fifth bowler to take a double hat-trick in international cricket. This milestone came during the series decider against England. With England needing 20 runs from the final over, Holder was handed the ball. He struck on the second delivery, dismissing Chris Jordan, and followed up with Sam Billings on the next ball. Holder then completed his double hat-trick by removing Adil Rashid and Saqib Mahmood with successive deliveries. His four-wicket haul concluded England’s innings at 162 runs, securing both the game and the series for the West Indies.
The double hat trick is a unique record as it holds the power to finish the game in an instant. Taking out either the entire top or middle order in one go!
