Pat Cummins Claims Second Hat-Trick in Three Days, Joins Elite Group

Pat Cummins, the Australian fast bowler, has etched his name in the history books by claiming his second hat-trick in three days during the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight match against Afghanistan. This remarkable feat makes him the fifth bowler to achieve two hat-tricks in men's T20Is.

Cummins' first hat-trick came against Bangladesh in Antigua, where he dismissed three batsmen in consecutive deliveries. In St Vincent, he repeated the feat in his last two overs, starting with the dismissal of Rashid Khan at long on with the last ball of the 18th over. He then removed Karim Janat in the same manner with the first ball of the 20th over, before Gulbadin Naib hoicked to deep midwicket.

"Yeah, remembered this one," Cummins said after the match, referring to his forgetfulness about being on a hat-trick against Bangladesh. "Crazy to get two in a row after playing 100 plus games for Australia."

Cummins came close to achieving a rare feat of four wickets in four balls, but David Warner missed a chance at deep square when Nangeyalia Kharote swung to the leg side.

With this hat-trick, Cummins joins an elite group of bowlers who have achieved the feat twice in T20Is. Lasith Malinga, Tim Southee, Serbia's Mark Pavlovic, and Malta's Waseem Abbas are the other bowlers to have accomplished this rare feat.

Cummins' hat-trick is also notable for its timing, as he became the second player to take a hat-trick in consecutive international matches. Wasim Akram achieved this feat in consecutive Tests against Sri Lanka in March 1999. Jimmy Matthews had also taken hat-tricks in each innings of a Test match against South Africa in 1912, but both came on the same day.

Cummins' hat-trick played a crucial role in Australia's victory over Afghanistan, as they restricted their opponents to a modest total of 127/9. Australia chased down the target with ease, winning by 8 wickets.

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