New Zealand’s fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has etched his name in T20I cricket history with a stunning hat-trick against Sri Lanka in the ongoing second T20I of the three-match series. Playing at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Ferguson showcased his skill and speed on a pitch that was expected to favour spin. However, his precision and sheer pace proved decisive as he took three crucial wickets in consecutive balls, putting the Kiwi team in a commanding position.
Ferguson’s hat-trick began with the dismissal of Kusal Perera, a formidable presence for Sri Lanka at the top order. On the final ball of the sixth over, Ferguson bowled a fiery yorker from around the wicket. Perera tried to dig out the delivery but misjudged the timing as his bat hit the ground, causing a faint edge that flew to wicketkeeper Mitch Hay.
Hay dived left and completed a clean, skilful catch, securing Ferguson’s first wicket and setting the stage for the hat-trick. In his very next over, Ferguson continued his attack with an unrelenting focus. On the first ball, he delivered a full, fast delivery angled in from around the wicket, targeting Kamindu Mendis.
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Mendis was unable to keep up with the speed and missed his attempted flick, getting hit low on the pad in front of the stumps. Although he opted for a DRS review, UltraEdge showed no bat contact, and ball-tracking confirmed it was hitting middle and leg. With Mendis dismissed, Ferguson had two in two and was on the brink of a rare T20I hat-trick.
Hat-trick! 🤯
Lockie Ferguson has just brought this game to life with a crazy couple of overs. 🔥#SLvNZonFanCode pic.twitter.com/8wcOpjpiLQ
— FanCode (@FanCode) November 10, 2024
Ferguson completed his hat-trick in style on the very next ball, this time targeting Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka. Bowling another full, fast delivery down the leg side, Ferguson induced an inside edge from Asalanka’s attempted flick. Mitch Hay once again played his part, diving to his right to grab a stunning catch, sealing Ferguson’s third wicket in as many balls and completing the hat-trick.
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Ferguson’s feat electrified the stadium and highlighted his exceptional pace bowling skills, especially on a pitch where seamers usually play a secondary role. His hat-trick not only shifted momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor but also reinforced his status as a game-changer in T20I cricket. Fans and teammates celebrated this unforgettable moment as Ferguson’s incredible performance became the defining highlight of the match.
