Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana delivered a remarkable performance in the second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Wednesday, January 8.
Immediate impact with the ball as replacement of Lahiru Kumara
Theekshana’s hat-trick, achieved across two overs, proved to be the highlight of a rain-affected game that was reduced to 37 overs per side. Replacing Lahiru Kumara, Theekshana made an immediate impact in the rain-shortened 37-over game. He initially broke a threatening 112-run stand by dismissing Mark Chapman in the 20th over. However, it was in the 35th and final overs of New Zealand’s innings that Theekshana truly turned the game. Theekshana’s hat-trick wasn’t just a display of skill but also tactical acumen. After a costly previous over, he adjusted his pace and trajectory masterfully. The first ball of his seventh over conceded a boundary, but he quickly adapted, delivering precise carrom balls and off-breaks to limit the batters.
Maheesh Theekshana stunning ODI hat-trick against New Zealand
The sequence began in the 35th over when he dismissed Mitchell Santner, who tried to clear the boundary but was caught brilliantly by Chamindu Wickramasinghe at deep cover. On the very next ball, Nathan Smith attempted an aggressive stroke against a tossed-up carrom ball but edged it high over point, where Kamindu Mendis completed a diving catch after covering significant ground.
With the hat-trick ball, Theekshana delivered another carrom ball to Matt Henry, who sliced it towards extra cover. Nuwanidu Fernando, fielding as a substitute, sprinted from wide long-off and slid to take a superb catch, sealing the hat-trick. Theekshana’s variations and clever use of the carrom ball in pressure moments not only dismantled New Zealand’s lower order but also highlighted his ability to outthink the batters. This exceptional feat was crucial in shifting the momentum of the match in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Here’s the video:
#MaheeshTheekshana‘s hat-trick restricts the #Blackcaps to 255/9. 💥#DidYouKnow: He is the 7️⃣th player from 🇱🇰 to take an #ODI hat-trick! 👏#SonySportsNetwork #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/TiWTn2BdIW
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) January 8, 2025
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Theekshana joins an elite club of Sri Lankan bowlers
With this feat, Theekshana became the seventh Sri Lankan to claim an ODI hat-trick, following legends like Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas and Wanindu Hasaranga. Notably, Theekshana’s hat-trick is the first in ODIs since Wessly Madhevere achieved the milestone in 2023. Sri Lankan cricket has a rich history of hat-tricks, with Malinga recording three and Vaas two in the 50-over format. Theekshana’s achievement cements his place among these greats and adds to Sri Lanka’s reputation for producing world-class spinners.
New Zealand’s batting innings
After being put in to bat under lights, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 255/9 in their allotted 37 overs. The hosts were powered by half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra (79 off 63) and Mark Chapman (62 off 52). However, Theekshana and Hasaranga (2/39) kept the Kiwi batting in check during the middle and death overs. New Zealand had looked set for a total closer to 270 but were restricted thanks to Theekshana’s brilliance in the final overs. As Sri Lanka seeks to level the series, Theekshana’s performance serves as a reminder of their ability to produce match-turning moments, even against top-tier opponents.
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