Lockie Ferguson Achieves T20I Hattrick, Becomes Fifth New Zealander To Join Elite List

Lockie Ferguson achieved a remarkable feat with a hat-trick that aided New Zealand in defending a modest total of 108 against Sri Lanka. This occurred during the second and final T20I on November 10 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Ferguson, who missed the first match of the series, delivered an outstanding performance. He secured his hat-trick over two overs, helping New Zealand defend their lowest ever T20 international score and equalise the series.

The Kiwi fast bowler dismissed Kusal Perera on the last ball of the sixth over. He then removed Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka with consecutive deliveries in the eighth over to complete his hat-trick.

This achievement made Ferguson the fifth New Zealander to take a men's T20I hat-trick, joining Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Michael Bracewell, and Matt Henry in this elite group.

Oram and Southee were among the early bowlers to achieve this milestone. Bracewell accomplished it in 2022, while Henry did so against Pakistan in 2023. Southee also took another hat-trick against India in 2022.

T20I Hat-Tricks in 2024

Ferguson is also one of eight bowlers to claim a hat-trick in 2024. Earlier this year, Sri Lanka's Nuwan Thushara achieved this feat in March, followed by Australia's Pat Cummins, who remarkably took two consecutive hat-tricks during the T20 World Cup 2024.

• Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka) vs Bangladesh
• Aqib Ilyas (Oman) vs Cambodia
• Pat Cummins (Australia) vs Bangladesh
• Pat Cummins (Australia) vs Afghanistan
• Chris Jordan (England) vs USA
• Waseem Yaqoob (Lesotho) vs Mali
• Obed Harvey (Ghana) vs Mali
• Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand) vs Sri Lanka

In the SL vs NZ second T20I match, Wanindu Hasaranga led Sri Lanka with an exceptional bowling performance. New Zealand struggled to form partnerships and managed only 108 runs.

Hasaranga claimed four wickets while Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara contributed with three and two wickets respectively, playing crucial roles in restricting New Zealand's innings.

The chase seemed straightforward but became thrilling when Ferguson dismantled Sri Lanka's middle order, reducing them to 34/4. With captain Asalanka out for zero, Sri Lanka felt pressure despite chasing a low target.

Glenn Phillips defended eight runs in the final over by taking three wickets, including Pathum Nissanka who scored 52. He conceded just two runs to secure one of T20I cricket's finest defences.