How many wickets constitute a double hat trick? The simple answer to this question is a double hat-trick in cricket is when a bowler takes four wickets in four consecutive deliveries. It extends a regular hat-trick—three wickets in three balls—by one more consecutive dismissal, making it far more rare and difficult.
What is a Double Hat-Trick?
A double hat-trick occurs when a bowler dismisses four batters in four consecutive deliveries. While a regular hat-trick involves taking three wickets in three successive balls, a double hat-trick extends this remarkable achievement by one additional wicket. This means the bowler must maintain their focus and skill for one more delivery, making it an exponentially more difficult task.
The Elite Club of Double Hat-Trick Achievers
Throughout the history of international cricket, only six bowlers have accomplished this extraordinary feat:
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
The “Yorker King” holds the distinction of being the first bowler to achieve a double hat-trick in international cricket. He accomplished this remarkable feat twice: first against South Africa in the 2007 ODI World Cup, and again against New Zealand in a T20I match in 2019. During his 2007 performance, Malinga dismissed Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, and Makhaya Ntini in succession, nearly snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
The Afghan spinner became the first bowler to achieve a double hat-trick in T20I cricket against Ireland in 2019. His victims were Kevin O’Brien, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, and Simi Singh, finishing with figures of 5/27.
Curtis Campher (Ireland)
Achieved his double hat-trick against the Netherlands in the 2021 T20 World Cup, dismissing Colin Ackermann, Ryan ten Doeschate, Scott Edwards, and Roelof van der Merwe.
Jason Holder (West Indies)
Secured his place in history against England in 2022, taking the wickets of Chris Jordan, Sam Billings, Adil Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood in the final over to win the match.
Waseem Yaqoob (Lesotho)
Made his mark in the 2024 ICC World Cup Sub-regional Africa Qualifier Group A match against Mali. In a dominant performance, Yaqoob delivered exceptional figures of 6/18 in just 4 overs. His double hat-trick included the dismissals of Amara Nimaga, Dramane Berthe, Mahamadou Malle, and Yacouba Konate in successive balls, helping Lesotho defend a modest total of 148 by bundling out Mali for just 36 runs.
Hernan Fennell (Argentina)
The most recent addition to this exclusive club, achieving his double hat-trick against the Cayman Islands in 2024 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Americas Qualifier.
The Significance and Rarity
The double hat-trick is one of cricket’s rarest achievements because it requires not only exceptional bowling skill but also perfect timing, favorable match conditions, and a degree of luck. The bowler must maintain concentration, execute their deliveries flawlessly, and often overcome the pressure of game-changing moments.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is that most double hat-tricks have occurred during crucial moments of matches, often turning the tide in favor of the bowling team. Waseem Yaqoob’s performance, for instance, was instrumental in Lesotho’s massive 112-run victory over Mali, while Malinga’s 2007 performance against South Africa brought Sri Lanka within a whisker of victory from a seemingly impossible position.
Conclusion: Lasith Malinga is The First Bowler To Take Double Hat Trick
A double hat-trick requires exactly four wickets in four consecutive deliveries, making it one of cricket’s most challenging achievements. With only six bowlers having accomplished this feat in international cricket, it remains a testament to extraordinary skill, mental fortitude, and sometimes, the perfect alignment of circumstances.
As cricket continues to evolve, this rare milestone stands as one of the sport’s most prestigious accomplishments, inspiring bowlers worldwide to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the cricket field.
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