Maheesh Theekshana: An ODI series is currently underway between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, where Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has made headlines by achieving the first hat-trick of the year. In addition to this remarkable feat, he claimed one more wicket, bringing his total to four. This performance has significantly turned the tide for the Sri Lankan team, which was previously struggling in the match. Theekshana’s hat-trick has also set several new records for his team.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is on a tour of New Zealand, participating in a three-match ODI series, with the second match taking place today. New Zealand batted first and, at one point, had scored 143 runs with only two wickets lost after approximately 20 overs. However, the dynamics of the game shifted dramatically when Mahesh Theekshana took to the bowling crease. He achieved his hat-trick within just two overs. The match had already been shortened from 50 overs to 37 due to rain delays.
Maheesh Theekshana bags a hat-trick but New Zealand get to 255 in their allotted 37 overs at Hamilton #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/zjYQfVyfAE
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 8, 2025
Maheesh Theekshana is now the second spin bowler in Sri Lankan history to take a hat-trick, following Wanindu Hasaranga. Notably, he has also become the first spin bowler globally to secure a hat-trick against New Zealand. This accomplishment, occurring early in the year, adds to its significance. Thanks to Theekshana’s exceptional bowling, the New Zealand team, which aimed for a substantial total, managed to score only 255 runs in their allotted 37 overs.
Theekshana’s hat-trick began with the dismissal of Mitchell Santner on the fifth ball of the 35th over, who scored 20 runs off 15 balls. On the final ball of that over, he also took the wicket of Nathan Smith, who was dismissed without scoring on his first ball. Theekshana returned to bowl the first ball of the 37th over, where he dismissed Matt Henry on his very first delivery.