Image: Maheesh Theekshana took a spectacular hat-trick in Sri Lanka's second ODI / © Khel Now
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand witnessed a remarkable performance from Maheesh Theekshana, who took a stunning hat-trick in the second ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The match was shortened to 37 overs per side due to rain delays, with New Zealand setting a target of 255/9. Theekshana’s brilliance came in the 35th over, starting with the dismissal of Mitchell Santner, who was caught by Chamindu Wickramasinghe at cover after attempting to drive a delivery outside the off-stump.
On the very next ball, Theekshana sent Nathan Smith packing with a catch at deep cover off a well-directed delivery. The hat-trick was completed in the 37th over when he bowled Matt Henry with a deceptive carrom ball, which Henry misread and was caught by Nuwanidu Fernando at long-off. This was Theekshana’s first-ever ODI hat-trick and a key contribution to Sri Lanka’s efforts in the match.
The match was initially a 50-over game but was reduced due to weather conditions. Despite the short format, Theekshana’s exceptional spell helped Sri Lanka restrict New Zealand’s total, marking a historic moment in the ongoing series.