NZ vs SL (WATCH): Maheesh Theekshana lights up Seddon Park with superb hat-trick in Hamilton ODI

Sri Lankan spinner Mahesh Theekshana gave a remarkable performance in the second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Wednesday 8 January.

Theekshana’s hat-trick, which came in two overs, proved to be the highlight of a rain-affected game reduced to 37 overs per side. Replacement Lahiru KumarasTheekshana made an immediate impact in the 37-over game that was cut short due to rain. First he broke a menacing 112-run stand by dismissing Mark Chapman in the 20th over. 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 tactical acumen. After a costly previous over, he adjusted his pace and trajectory masterfully. The first ball of his seventh over received a boundary, but he adjusted quickly, delivering accurate carrom balls and off-breaks to restrict the batters.

Maheesh Theekshana stunning ODI hat-trick against New Zealand

The streak started in the 35th over when he fired Mitchell Sandnerwho tried to go out of bounds but was brilliantly caught by Chamindu Wickramasinghe in deep cover. On the very next ball, Nathan Smith attempted an attacking stroke at a tossed carom ball, but lifted it high above the spot, where Kamindu Mendis completed a diving catch after covering considerable ground.

With the hat-trick ball, Theekshana delivered another carom ball Matt Henrywho cut it to extra cover. Nuvanido Fernandowho came on as a substitute, sprinted from the far side and slid in to make 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 his ability to outrun the batsmen. This outstanding feat was crucial to shift the momentum of the match in favor of Sri Lanka.

Here’s the video:

#MaheeshTheekshanahis hat-trick caps the #Blackcaps until 255/9. 💥#You knew: He is the 7️⃣ player from 🇱🇰 to get one #ODI 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 2nd 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 and 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 registering three and Vaas two in the 50-over format. Theekshana’s achievement cements his place among these greats and adds to Sri Lanka’s reputation for producing world-class spinners.

New Zealand batting

After being put into bat under the lights, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 255/9 in their allotted 37 overs. Hosts have been fed for half a century since Raheen Ravindra (79 minus 63) and Mark Chapman (62 minus 52). However, Theekshana and Hasaranga (2/39) kept the Kiwis in check during the middle and death overs. New Zealand looked poised for a total close to 270 but were restricted thanks to Theekshana’s brilliance in the final overs. As Sri Lanka seek to level the series, Theekshana’s performance serves as a reminder of their ability to produce breakthrough moments, even against top-class opposition.

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