Maheesh Theekshana, on Wednesday (January 8) took a sensational hat-trick in the second ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The Sri Lankan spinner picked the hat-trick across two overs in the game that was reduced to 37-over per side due to rain. He picked two wickets on the final ball of the 35th over before taking another wicket on the first ball of the 37th over to complete his first hat-trick in ODIs.
On the fifth ball of the 35th over, Maheesh Theekshana dismissed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner for 20. On the very next delivery, he dismissed Nathan Smith for a golden duck. On the hat-trick ball, the right-arm spinner sent back Matt Henry for 1 to complete the milestone.
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He went on to finish the match with impressive figures of 4 for 44 in 8 overs. It was a remarkable performance from Maheesh Theekshana after his struggle in the T20I series against New Zealand. In the three-match series, he could pick only 2 wickets.
He picked up those two wickets in the first T20I itself before going wicketless in the next two games. He also conceded 52 runs in the second game before going wicketless for 33 runs in the third game.
For the first ODI, Sri Lanka decided to drop him from the playing eleven. However, the visitors recalled Theekshana to the team after suffering a 9-wicket loss. The spinner replaced Lahiru Kumara in the team after the pacer went wicketless in the first ODI.
Watch: Maheesh Theekshana takes stunning ODI hat-trick
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Maheesh Theekshana joins the elite list:
The hat-trick against New Zealand has helped Maheesh Theekshana join an elite list of bowlers who have achieved the milestone in international cricket. He became the seventh bowler from Sri Lanka to take a hat-trick in the 50-over format.
Chaminda Vaas was the first Sri Lankan bowler to achieve the milestone in ODIs, taking three wickets in three deliveries against Zimbabwe in 2001. Later in 2003, Vaas picked up another hat-trick against Bangladesh.
Lasith Malinga picked up three hat-tricks for Sri Lanka. The other bowlers from Sri Lanka to take a hat-trick in ODIs are Farveez Maharoof, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Shehan Madushanka.
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New Zealand post competitive total:
Talking about the ongoing second ODI, New Zealand have posted a competitive total. The Black Caps have scored 255/9 in the allotted 37 overs. Rachin Ravindra top-scored for his side, scoring 79 runs off 63 balls. Mark Chapman impressed with the bat as well, scoring 62 off 52 balls. For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers.