NZ vs. SL [WATCH]: Maheesh Theekshana lit up Seddon Park with a brilliant hat-trick in the Hamilton ODI

Spinner from Sri Lanka Maheesh Theekshana he delivered an outstanding 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-soaked match which was reduced to 37 overs a side. Replacement Lahiru KumarTheekshana made an immediate impact in a rain-shortened 37-over game. In the beginning, he ended a threatening stand of 112 runs with a dismissal Mark Chapman in the 20th over. However, in the 35th and final over of the New Zealand innings, Theekshana really turned the game around. Theekshana’s hat-trick was not only a display of skill, but also of tactical acumen. After a costly previous over, he masterfully adjusted his pace and trajectory. The first ball of his seventh over was a boundary, but he adapted quickly, delivering accurate carrom balls and off-breaks to restrict the batsmen.

Maheesh Theekshana’s stunning ODI hat-trick against New Zealand

The streak began in the 35th over since he was fired Mitchell Santnerwho tried to cross the boundary but was brilliantly caught Chamindu Wickramasinghe on deep cover. On the very next ball, Nathan Smith he tried to hit the checkered ball aggressively, but hit it high above the point, where Kaminda Mendis completed a diving catch after crossing significant ground.

Along with the hat-trick ball, Theekshana delivered another carrom ball Matt Henrywho sliced ​​it towards the extra cover. Nuwanid Fernandowho came on as a substitute, sprinted in from wide and slid in to make a brilliant catch, sealing the hat-trick. Theekshana’s variations and clever use of the carrom ball at moments of pressure not only dismantled New Zealand’s lower order but also highlighted his ability to outscore the batsmen. This exceptional feat was instrumental in turning the momentum of the match in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Here is the video:

#MaheeshTheekshana‘s hat-trick limits #Blackcaps until 255/9. 💥#YesteZnali: He is the 7️⃣th player from 🇱🇰 to take an #GO 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 into 2nd ODI

Theekshana joins the elite club of Sri Lankan bowlers

The feat made Theekshan the seventh Sri Lankan to claim an ODI hat-trick, after legends like Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas and Wanindu Hasaranga. Namely, 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 recording 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 their allotted 37 overs. The hosts were powered for half a century from Rachin Ravindra (79 of 63) i Mark Chapman (62 out of 52). However, Theekshana and Hasaranga (2/39) kept the Kiwi batting in check during the middle and death overs. It looked like New Zealand would be inching closer to a total of 270, but they were restricted thanks to Theekshan’s brilliance in the closing overs. As Sri Lanka look to level the series, Theekshana’s performance serves as a reminder of their ability to produce breakthrough moments, even against top opponents.

READ ALSO: Angelo Mathews calls out ICC for limited schedule of Test matches in Sri Lanka in 2025.