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Sri Lankan spinner Mahesh Theekshana had a notable performance in the second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Wednesday, January 8.
Theekshana’s hat-trick, achieved in two overs, proved to be the highlight of a rain-affected match that was reduced to 37 overs a side. Replacement Lahiru KumaraTheekshana made an immediate impact in the rain-shortened 37-over game. He initially broke a threatening 112-run stand by dismissing Mark Chapman in the 20 above. However, it was in the 35th and final over of New Zealand’s innings that Theekshana truly turned the game around. Theekshana’s hat-trick was not only a display of skill but also tactical acumen. After a costly previous over, he masterfully adjusted his pace and trajectory. The first ball of his seventh over conceded a boundary, but he quickly adapted, bowling accurate carrom balls and breaks to limit the batsmen.
Maheesh Theekshana impressive ODI hat-trick against New Zealand
The sequence began in the 35th minute when he fired Mitchell Santnerwho tried to clear the boundary but was caught brilliantly by Chamindu Wickramasinghe in deep coverage. On the next ball, Nathan Smith He attempted an aggressive shot at a thrown carrom ball, but overshot it over the point, where Kamindu Mendis completed a diving capture after covering significant ground.
With the hat-trick, Theekshana delivered another carrom ball to matt henrywho cut it to cover it more. Nuwanidu Fernandowho played as a substitute, ran from distance and slid in to make a magnificent 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 their ability to outpace batsmen. This exceptional feat was crucial in changing the momentum of the match in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Here is the video:
#MaheeshTheekshanaThe hat-trick restricts the #blackcaps at 255/9. 💥#didyouknow: He is the seventh 🇱🇰 player to make a #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 second ODI
Theekshana joins an elite club of Sri Lankan bowlers
With this feat, Theekshana became the seventh Sri Lankan to score an ODI hat-trick, after legends like Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas and Wanindu Hasaranga. Notably, Theekshana’s hat-trick is his first in ODIs since Wesly 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 Innings
After being put to bat under the lights, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 255/9 in his allotted 37 overs. The hosts were boosted by half a century of Rachin Ravindra (79 of 63) and Mark Chapman (62 of 52). However, Theekshana and Hasaranga (2/39) kept the Kiwi in check during the middle and deadly overs. New Zealand looked set for a total closer to 270 but were restricted thanks to Theekshana’s brilliance in the final overs. As Sri Lanka look to level the series, Theekshana’s performance serves as a reminder of his ability to produce decisive moments in matches, even against top-class opponents.
Also READ: Angelo Mathews slams ICC over Sri Lanka’s limited Test match schedule in 2025
