Sri Lankan spinner Mahesh Theekshana he did very well in the second ODI against new Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Wednesday, January 8.
Theekshana's hat-trick, which he scored in two overs, was the highlight of the rain-affected match which was reduced to 37 overs each side. Change Lahiru KumaraTheekshana was quick to react in a rain-shortened 37-over match. He first broke the 112-run barrier with the dismissal Mark Chapman in the 20th over. However, it was in the 35th and last over of the New Zealand innings that Theekshana really turned the game around. Theekshana's hat was not only a display of skill but also of intellectual skill. After spending a lot of money, he changed his pace and strategy skillfully. His first ball of the seventh bounced off the boundary, but he quickly adjusted, delivering accurate carrom balls and breaks to slow down the strike.
Maheesh Theekshana amazing ODI hat-trick against New Zealand
The story started in the 35th over when he was dismissed Mitchell Santnerwho tried to clear the border but was cleverly caught Chamindu Wickramasinghe in deep cover. On the very next ball, Nathan Smith he tried to hit the carrom ball hard but he hit it hard, right Kamindu Mendis he ended up diving after holding the important position.
With the hat-trick ball, Theekshana delivered another carrom ball Matt Henrywho cut it from the extra cover. Take Fernandoplaying as a substitute, he raced in from a long distance and slid in to make a great catch, sealing the hat-trick. Theekshana's versatility and clever use of the carrom ball under pressure not only disrupted New Zealand's slump but also highlighted his ability to outthink the batsmen. This win was crucial to swing the game in Sri Lanka's favour.
Here is the video:
#MaheeshTheekshana's hat-trick stops #Black clothes at 255/9. 💥#Did you know: He is the 7️⃣th player from 🇱🇰 to take #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 the elite club of Sri Lankan players
With this, Theekshana became the seventh Sri Lankan to take an ODI cap, following legends like. Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas and Wanindu Hasaranga. Notably, Theekshana's hat-trick is the first in ODIs since then Wesley Madhevere he achieved the feat in 2023. Sri Lankan cricket has a record number of hat-tricks, with Malinga bagging three and Vaas bagging two in the 50-over format. Theekshana's win cements his place among these greats and adds to Sri Lanka's record of producing world class spinners.
New Zealand's innings
Set to strike, New Zealand he posted a competitive total of 255/9 in the 37 overs he allotted. Hosts were managed half a century ago Rachin Ravindra (79 out of 63) and Mark Chapman (62 out of 52). However, Theekshana and Hasaranga (2/39) kept the Kiwi batting in check during the middle and death overs. New Zealand looked set to close in on 270 but were denied by Theekshana's brilliance in the final overs. As Sri Lanka look to take control of the series, Theekshana's performance serves as a reminder of their ability to create match-changing moments, even against top opposition.