Five Hat-tricks in ODI World Cup History

A hat-trick by a bowler in an ODI cricket match is a rare and exhilarating occurrence that has a profound impact on the game. A bowler’s hat trick injects a surge of energy and motivation into the team. 

It often serves as a turning point, demoralizing the opposition while boosting the morale of the bowling side. The psychological impact can be immense, influencing the batsmen’s mindset and affecting their performance.

Moreover, a hat trick can significantly alter the course of the match. It can break crucial partnerships, remove well-set batsmen, and create a sense of panic in the opposition camp. 

The sudden loss of three wickets in succession can disrupt the batting side’s rhythm and strategy, leading to a collapse in their innings.

As the ICC World Cup comes closer, here is a list of 5 bowlers who have picked up hat-tricks in the ODI World Cup previously.

1) Chetan Sharma – India

Chetan Sharma’s hat-trick in the 1987 Cricket World Cup is etched in cricketing history as a remarkable achievement. During India’s match against New Zealand, Sharma, a talented fast bowler, dismissed Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, and Ewen Chatfield consecutively with pinpoint accuracy. 

This stunning feat made Sharma the first-ever cricketer to claim a World Cup hat-trick. His exceptional bowling not only helped India secure a crucial win but also brought him international acclaim. 

Sharma’s hat-trick in the 1987 World Cup remains a cherished moment in Indian cricket, symbolizing the power of precision and skill in the sport’s most prestigious tournament.

2) Saqlain Mushtaq – Pakistan

During Pakistan’s match against Zimbabwe in the 1999 ODI World Cup, the off-spin maestro from Pakistan, Saqlain Mushtaq, displayed his exceptional skill by dismissing three batsmen – Henry Olonga, Adam Huckle, and Pommie Mbangwa – consecutively with his mesmerizing deliveries. 

This achievement made Saqlain the second bowler ever to claim a World Cup hat-trick. His remarkable feat not only contributed to Pakistan’s victory but also solidified his reputation as one of the most talented spin bowlers of his era.

3) Chaminda Vaas – Sri Lanka

Chaminda Vaas’s hat-trick in the 2003 Cricket World Cup is an iconic moment in Sri Lankan cricket history. During a group stage match against Bangladesh, the left-arm fast-medium bowler showcased his mastery by dismissing three consecutive Bangladeshi batsmen: Hannan Sarkar, Mohammad Ashraful, and Ehsanul Haque. 

Vaas’s impeccable accuracy and swing left the opposition bewildered and helped secure a resounding victory for Sri Lanka. This remarkable feat solidified his status as one of the premier bowlers in the tournament and further etched his name in cricketing folklore.

4) Brett Lee – Australia

Another 2003 ODI World Cup highlight was Brett Lee’s hat trick against Kenya where he dismissed Kennedy Otieno, Brijal Patel, and David Obuya. Lee’s blistering deliveries left the opposition struggling to cope, and his remarkable feat played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominant win. 

This achievement further solidified his reputation as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers and highlighted his ability to change the course of a game with his devastating pace.

5) Lasith Malinga – Sri Lanka

One of the most ferocious bowlers from the Sri Lankan camp, Lasith Malinga, completely changed the destiny of his team during a match against South Africa in the Super Eights stage. Malinga displayed his unorthodox sling-arm action and pinpoint yorkers to dismiss Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, and Jacques Kallis in three successive deliveries. 

This stunning feat made Malinga the first-ever bowler to achieve a World Cup hat-trick in consecutive balls. His incredible bowling not only sealed a memorable win for Sri Lanka but also earned him widespread recognition as one of the most formidable fast bowlers in the modern game.