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Sri Lanka spinner Mahesh Theekshana delivered a remarkable performance in the second ODI against new zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Wednesday 8 January.
Theekshana’s hat-trick, achieved in two overs, proved to be the highlight of a rain-affected match that was reduced to 37 overs apiece. replacing Lahiru KumaraTheekshana made an immediate impact in the 37-minute rain-shortened game. Initially, he broke a 112-sack shutout threat Mark Chapman at the 20th plus. However, it was in the 35th and final over of New Zealand’s innings that Theekshana really turned the game around. Theekshana’s hat-trick was not just a display of skill but also tactical acumen. After a costly previous one, he adjusted his pace and trajectory masterfully. The first ball of his seventh over conceded a boundary, but he adapted quickly, delivering accurate carrom balls and off-breaks to limit the batsmen.
Maheesh Theekshana impressive ODI hat-trick against New Zealand
The streak began in 35 when he fired Mitchell Santnerwho tried to clear the boundary but was caught brilliantly Chamindu Wickramasinghe in the deep cover. On the next ball, Nathan Smith attempted an aggressive stroke against a carrom ball tossed up, but it went high, where Kamindu Mendis completed a diving catch after covering significant ground.
With the hat-trick ball, Theekshana delivered another carrom ball to Matt Henrywhich cut him into additional coverage. Nuwanidu Fernandoon the field as a substitute, he sprinted from long-on and slid in to take a superb catch, sealing the hat-trick. Theekshana’s variations and clever use of the carrom ball in moments of pressure not only dismantled New Zealand’s lower order, but also highlighted their ability to get past the batsmen. This exceptional feat was crucial to swing the momentum of the match in favor of Sri Lanka.
Here is the video:
#MaheeshTheekshanaThe ‘hat-trick’ restricts the #Blackcaps at 255/9. 💥#You knew: He is the 7th player from 🇱🇰 to get one #HATE hat trick! 👏#SonySportsNetwork #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/TiWTn2BdIW
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) January 8, 2025
Also WATCH: Charith Asalanka’s stunning catch sends Rachin Ravindra packing in second ODI
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 such as Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas i Wanindu Hasaranga. Notably, Theekshana’s hat-trick is the first in ODIs since then Wessly Madhevere he 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 success cements his place among these greats and adds to Sri Lanka’s reputation for producing world-class spinners.
New Zealand batting tickets
After being put to bat under the lights, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 255/9 in his allotted 37 overs. The hosts were fed for half centuries of Rachin Ravindra (79 of 63) i Mark Chapman (62 of 52). However, Theekshana and Hasaranga (2/39) kept the Kiwi batting in check during the middle and death overs. New Zealand looked set for a total closer to 270 but were restricted by Theekshana’s brilliance in the final overs. As Sri Lanka look to level the series, Theekshana’s performance serves as a reminder of their ability to produce match-changing moments, even against top-class opposition.
