New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson etched his name in T20I history by claiming a hat-trick during the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Sunday (November 11). This remarkable achievement places Ferguson as only the fifth New Zealander to reach this milestone, joining a select group of Blackcaps bowlers who have taken T20I hat-tricks. His accomplishment played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s nail-biting 5-run victory, helping to level the series 1-1.
Lockie Ferguson’s game-changing hat-trick against Sri Lanka
Ferguson delivered a masterclass in fast bowling, claiming a pivotal hat-trick across two overs that completely shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. Ferguson’s first strike came at a critical juncture on the final ball of the sixth over, as he dismissed the dangerous Kusal Perera for just 3. Perera, known for his aggressive style, could have posed a threat to New Zealand’s defense, but Ferguson’s precision delivery ended his innings early, setting the tone for the remainder of his spell.
Returning in the eighth over with Sri Lanka’s chase still hanging in the balance, Ferguson struck again with a brilliantly executed delivery that trapped Kamindu Mendis LBW for 1. Demonstrating his control and skill, Ferguson maintained pressure and, without allowing Sri Lanka a chance to recover, removed Charith Asalanka on the very next ball, inducing a catch to complete his hat-trick.
Also WATCH: Lockie Ferguson’s hat-trick against Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I
5 New Zealand Players who have taken a hat-trick in T20Is
1. Jacob Oram Hat-Trick Against Sri Lanka (2009)
In a thrilling final over, Jacob Oram showcased his skill, taking a remarkable hat-trick that effectively sealed the game for New Zealand. With Sri Lanka chasing a modest total, Oram’s 19th over saw him remove three batters in quick succession, swinging the match entirely in his team’s favor.
The hat-trick began with Angelo Mathews‘ dismissal on the last ball of Oram’s previous over. Mathews, the last recognized batter, chipped a full toss back to Oram, departing for 21. Returning on the next ball, Oram first dismissed Malinga Bandara, who attempted a lofted shot but was superbly caught by Brendon McCullum at long-off. McCullum had to cover significant ground, diving to complete a stunning catch.
Oram then sealed the hat-trick by removing Nuwan Kulasekara, whose shot went high toward long-on, finding Neil Broom in a more straightforward catch. This clinical performance left Sri Lanka in tatters and ensured Oram etched his name in the match’s highlight reel.
2. Tim Southee’s Hat-Trick Against Pakistan (2010)
In a remarkable bowling display, Tim Southee dismantled Pakistan’s batting order in the 2010 T20 match, claiming a stunning hat-trick and taking four wickets within just five balls. The collapse began with Younis Khan‘s dismissal on the second ball of the over. Younis attempted a cut shot to a short, wide delivery but mistimed it, resulting in a top edge caught at deep point.
Next up was Mohammad Hafeez, who, trying to steady the innings, was lured into poking at a delivery in the corridor of uncertainty. The slight movement away took a faint edge, easily caught by wicketkeeper Peter McGlashan, putting Southee on a hat-trick. Southee then claimed his hat-trick by dismissing Umar Akmal. The delivery, fast and angling in, hit Akmal’s pads as he played back. After a quick appeal, the umpire raised his finger, sealing the hat-trick and leaving Pakistan in disarray.
3. Michael Bracewell’s Hat-Trick Against Ireland (2022)
Michael Bracewell made a spectacular debut with the ball in T20 internationals, claiming a hat-trick in just five balls to wrap up the match against Ireland. His impressive spell started in the 14th over, taking three quick wickets that ended Ireland’s innings at 91.
Bracewell’s first victim was Mark Adair, who charged down the pitch and tried to flick a full delivery on middle stump but mistimed it, resulting in a straightforward catch at deep midwicket. Bracewell struck again with the very next ball, as Barry McCarthy attempted a big heave towards the leg side but found Glenn Phillips inside the boundary for another simple catch, putting Bracewell on a hat-trick.
For the hat-trick ball, Craig Young came to the crease, only to slice a full delivery wide outside off stump to backward point. Ish Sodhi comfortably took the catch, sealing Bracewell’s hat-trick and capping a memorable debut bowling spell. This quick three-wicket burst ended the match in style for New Zealand.
4. Tim Southee’s Hat-Trick Against India (2022)
In a remarkable final over, Southee captured a thrilling hat-trick against India, showcasing his ability to finish strongly in T20 cricket. Southee’s hat-trick began with the wicket of Hardik Pandya, who attempted to clear long-off but misconnected, sending a catch to Jimmy Neesham, stationed perfectly to take it.
Southee’s second wicket came immediately after, as Deepak Hooda flicked a full delivery on middle stump behind square, only to find the fielder at short fine leg. This catch left India in a challenging position with Suryakumar Yadav stranded at the non-striker’s end. On the hat-trick ball, Southee bowled a full delivery just outside off to Washington Sundar. Sundar went for a big hit, but mistimed it high into the air, allowing Neesham to run in from long-on and complete the catch.
5. Matt Henry’s Hat-Trick Against Pakistan (2023)
Matt Henry produced a stunning hat-trick against Pakistan, dismantling their lower order in a crucial phase of the game. The hat-trick started in the 13th over when Henry bowled a back-of-a-length delivery to Shadab Khan. The extra pace and bounce lured Shadab into a tentative poke, resulting in a thin edge through to Tom Latham behind the stumps.
With his next delivery, Henry struck again by removing Iftikhar Ahmed. He delivered another back-of-a-length ball that angled in but sharply nipped away off the pitch, catching Iftikhar off guard. Though the on-field umpire did not give it out, Henry was convinced and urged his captain to review. The replay showed a spike as the ball brushed the bat, giving Henry two wickets in two balls and putting him on a hat-trick.
For the hat-trick delivery in the 19th over, Henry bowled a full delivery targeting the middle and leg stumps to Shaheen Afridi. Shaheen went for a powerful slog but mistimed it high toward long-on. Daryl Mitchell caught the ball near the boundary, parried it back to Chad Bowes just before stepping over the cushion, and the third umpire confirmed the dismissal.