Cricket, a game known for its grace, tactics, and heart-pounding moments, has a unique ability to create unforgettable memories for fans. Amid the sea of incredible achievements, the term ‘hat trick’ stands out. Imagine a bowler taking down three batsmen in a row – that’s a hat trick! It’s like hitting a bullseye three times in a row, and it requires a mix of skill, precision, and timing.
In the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket, where every ball can change the course of a match, a hat trick becomes a brilliant turning point. Think of it as a surge of magic on the field that shifts the momentum in favor of the bowling team.
Our journey through cricket’s history takes us on an exciting ride to explore the ten most mind-blowing hat tricks in ODI matches. We’ll discover early moments that laid the foundation for this remarkable feat and iconic Cricket World Cup hat tricks that turned players into legends. These performances redefine what it means to master the art of bowling.
List of One Day International cricket hat-tricks
Player | Match | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Jalal-ud-Din | Pakistan v Australia | Hyderabad (P) | 20/09/1982 |
BA Reid | Australia v New Zealand | Sydney | 29/01/1986 |
C Sharma | India v New Zealand | Nagpur | 31/10/1987 |
Wasim Akram | Pakistan v West Indies | Sharjah | 14/10/1989 |
Wasim Akram | Pakistan v Australia | Sharjah | 04/05/1990 |
Kapil Dev | India v Sri Lanka | Calcutta | 04/01/1991 |
Aaqib Javed | Pakistan v India | Sharjah | 25/10/1991 |
DK Morrison | New Zealand v India | Napier | 25/03/1994 |
Waqar Younis | Pakistan v New Zealand | East London | 19/12/1994 |
Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan v Zimbabwe | Peshawar | 03/11/1996 |
1. Jalal-ud-Din – Pakistan v Australia, Hyderabad
Embarking on this exhilarating voyage, we begin with Jalal-ud-Din, the trailblazer of ODI hat tricks. The clash between Pakistan and Australia witnessed Jalal-ud-Din orchestrating the downfall of RW Marsh, B Yardley, and GF Lawson in a single over. This landmark moment set the stage for future cricketing magic.
2. BA Reid – Australia v New Zealand, Sydney
The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground bore witness to BA Reid’s brilliance as he dismantled BR Blair, EB McSweeney, and SR Gillespie. Reid’s flawless execution showcased the power of a hat trick, leaving spectators in awe of the magic on display.
3. C Sharma – India v New Zealand, Nagpur
Moving forward, C Sharma’s triumphant hat trick against New Zealand in Nagpur added a new chapter to the cricketing history books. His remarkable scalps of KR Rutherford, IDS Smith, and EJ Chatfield made the world take note of this rare and extraordinary achievement.
Also Read: Top 10 India’s Best Bowlers List
4. Wasim Akram – Pakistan v West Indies, Sharjah
Enter Wasim Akram, a cricketing virtuoso, and his masterful hat trick against West Indies. The victims – PJL Dujon, MD Marshall, and CEL Ambrose – were left perplexed by Akram’s sheer brilliance. This performance foreshadowed his meteoric rise as a cricketing icon.
5. Wasim Akram – Pakistan v Australia, Sharjah
Wasim Akram’s second appearance on our list is a testament to his unparalleled consistency. Against Australia, he showcased his prowess by dismissing MG Hughes, CG Rackemann, and TM Alderman. This hat trick reiterated his status as a bowler beyond compare.
6. Kapil Dev – India v Sri Lanka, Calcutta
Kapil Dev, a name synonymous with cricketing legends, etched his mark with a hat trick against Sri Lanka in Calcutta. RS Mahanama, RJ Ratnayake, and ST Jayasuirya bore the brunt of his exceptional bowling, sealing his legacy as an all-time great.
7. Aaqib Javed – Pakistan v India, Sharjah
Aaqib Javed’s hat trick against arch-rivals India in Sharjah is etched in cricketing folklore. RJ Shastri, M Azharuddin, and SR Tendulkar were the victims, showcasing Javed’s remarkable ability to shine on the grandest stages.
8. DK Morrison – New Zealand v India, Napier
In the picturesque setting of Napier, DK Morrison’s hat trick against India left spectators in awe. His clinical dismissals of Kapil Dev, SA Ankola, and NR Mongia highlighted the artistry of swing bowling at its finest.
9. Waqar Younis – Pakistan v New Zealand, East London
Waqar Younis, a master of pace and control, showcased his brilliance with a hat trick against New Zealand. CZ Harris, C Pringle, and RP de Groen succumbed to his fiery deliveries, leaving a lasting impression on the cricketing world.
10. Saqlain Mushtaq – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Peshawar
Concluding our journey is Saqlain Mushtaq’s magical hat trick against Zimbabwe in Peshawar. His dismissals of GW Flower, JA Rennie, and AR Whittall showcased his artistry as a spinner and left fans marvelling at his exceptional skill.
Must See: Top 10 Fastest Balls in International Cricket
These ten remarkable instances are a testament to the power of human achievement in the world of cricket. Each hat trick represents a fusion of talent, dedication, and unwavering focus that defines the spirit of the sport. As cricket continues to evolve, these moments serve as a reminder of the brilliance that graced the pitch and inspire future generations to aim for greatness. In the forthcoming sections, we will delve deeper into each of these extraordinary hat tricks, reliving the excitement and elegance that define the best cricketing feats in ODI history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a hat trick in ODI cricket?
A hat trick in ODI cricket is when a bowler takes three wickets in three consecutive deliveries. The wickets must be taken in the same over, and the bowler must be the same bowler to take all three wickets.
How many hat tricks have been taken in ODI cricket?
There have been a total of 25 hat-tricks taken in ODI cricket history. The first hat-trick was taken by Pakistan’s Jalal-ud-Din against Australia in 1982. The most recent hat-trick was taken by Wesley Madhevere of Zimbabwe against the Netherlands in 2023.
Who is the bowler with the most hat tricks in ODI cricket?
Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka is the bowler with the most hat tricks in ODI cricket. He has taken three hat tricks in his career.
What is the fastest hat trick in ODI cricket?
The fastest hat trick in ODI cricket was taken by Jasprit Bumrah of India in 2.6 overs, against Sri Lanka in 2019.