In the second ODI of a three-match series against New Zealand in Hamilton on Wednesday, January 8, Maheesh Theekshana became the seventh bowler from Sri Lanka to record a hat-trick in one-day international cricket. In a rain-affected contest at Seddon Park, Theekshana picked up the hat-trick across two overs. Maheesh Theekshana got rid of Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and captain Mitchell Santner to get the hat trick. After taking two wickets in the final two deliveries of the 35th over, he returned to finish his hat-trick by taking Henry out in the opening delivery of the 37th over.
Maheesh Theekshana finished his spell with 4 wickets for 44 runs in 8 overs. In just 37 overs, New Zealand scored 255 for 9 despite his best efforts with the ball. Rain delayed the start of the match, and it was eventually reduced to 37 overs each side. Theekshana achieved an ODI hat-trick, becoming the first bowler from Sri Lanka to do so in six years.
Sri Lankan bowlers with hat trick in ODIs
- Chaminda Vaas vs Zimbabwe, 2001, Colombo
- Chaminda Vaas vs Bangladesh, 2003, Pietermaritzburg
- Lasith Malinga vs South Africa, 2007, Guyana
- Farveez Maharoof vs India, 2010, Dambulla
- Lasith Malinga vs Kenya, 2011, Colombo (RPS)
- Lasith Malinga vs Australia, 2011, Colombo (RPS)
- Thisara Perera vs Pakistan, 2012, Colombo (RPS)
- Wanindu Hasaranga vs Zimbabwe, 2017, Galle
- Dushmantha Madushanka vs Bangladesh, 2018, Dhaka
- Maheesh Theekshana: vs New Zealand, 2024, Hamilton
Mark Chapman's 52-ball 62 and Rachin Ravindra's 63-ball 79 helped New Zealand reach a commanding total. The visitors were 22 for 4 in the first five overs as Kiwis blew away Sri Lanka's top order.
None of the Sri Lankan batters could take a stand against New Zealand apart from Kamindu Mendis who scored a crucial 64 off 66 balls. However, his knock was not enough to put the Lankan Lions over the line. They got all out for a paltry score of 142 and lost the match by 113 runs. New Zealand has gained an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series.