Hamilton: Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has made history by becoming the first bowler to take a hat-trick in 2025.
Theekshana achieved this remarkable feat during the second ODI of the series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand on Wednesday. Despite Sri Lanka losing the match by 113 runs, with New Zealand setting a target of 255, Theekshana’s hat-trick was the highlight of the game. New Zealand won the match, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Theekshana dismissed New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, and Nathan Smith in a spell that culminated in a hat-trick. He took two wickets in the final two balls of the 35th over and then completed the hat-trick by removing Smith on the very first ball of the 37th over.
The off-break bowler finished with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 44 runs from 8 overs.
With this achievement, Theekshana joined a distinguished list of Sri Lankan cricketers who have taken a hat-trick in ODIs, including Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Farveez Mahroof, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Shehan Madushanka.
