Cricket

Bangladesh's practice match against the West Indies Select XI in Coolidge ended in a draw due to rain, but the visitors had a productive outing. Despite a four-and-a-half-hour delay on the second day, Bangladesh's bowlers reduced the hosts to 87 for 9, with rookie left-arm spinner Hasan Murad claiming a hat-trick.Murad's hat-trick, which included the wickets of Daniel Beckford, Navin Bidaisee, and Chaim Holder, came in the 28th over, prompting Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons to end the match. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud also took two wickets each, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one apiece.Earlier, Bangladesh had batted for 73.2 overs on the first day, declaring on 253 for 7. Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam retired on 48 and 41, respectively, while Litton Das, who missed the second Test against South Africa due to fever, retired on 31. Mominul Haque, Bangladesh's most experienced cricketer on tour, also made 31.However, Bangladesh's concerns remain with opening batters Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan, who both got out cheaply. For the West Indies Select XI, Jair McAllister and Holder took two wickets each, while Kimani Melius top-scored with 23.Despite the rain interruption, Bangladesh's bowlers had a moderate workout, and the team will be looking to build on this performance in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, which starts in Antigua on Friday.

Victoria's dominance in the Sheffield Shield continued as they crushed Western Australia by eight wickets at Junction Oval. Despite a rare hat-trick from WA spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, Victoria chased down the modest target of 120 with ease.Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb led the charge for Victoria, putting on an unbroken 103-run partnership for the third wicket. Rocchiccioli's hat-trick had given WA a glimmer of hope, but Handscomb's aggressive approach and Harris's steady support ensured a comfortable victory.Earlier, WA had been dismissed for 325 before lunch. Joel Curtis's unbeaten 119 was the highlight of their innings, while Sam Elliott claimed four wickets for Victoria.In the first innings, Victoria had posted a formidable 373, with Will Rogers, Matt Crone, and Handscomb all contributing half-centuries. WA's bowlers struggled to contain Victoria's batting lineup, with Fergus O'Neill and Todd Murphy taking six and four wickets respectively.Rocchiccioli's hat-trick was a rare moment of brilliance for WA. He became the first WA bowler to achieve the feat in Shield cricket and only the second in the competition's history. However, it was not enough to prevent Victoria from securing a convincing victory.Victoria's win extends their unbeaten streak in the Shield to four matches. They now sit atop the standings with 22 points, while WA remains in fifth place with 10 points.

Lockie Ferguson's Hat-Trick Seals New Zealand's Victory in Low-Scoring ThrillerNew Zealand's Lockie Ferguson unleashed a devastating spell on Sunday, claiming a hat-trick to help his team defend their lowest-ever target in men's T20I cricket. Facing a modest total of 108 against Sri Lanka in Dambulla, Ferguson's fiery bowling proved decisive in securing a thrilling five-run victory.After the Kiwis were dismissed for a paltry 108, Ferguson stepped up with a two-over spell that turned the tide of the match. His first victim was Kusal Perera, who edged a yorker to wicketkeeper Mitch Hay on the final ball of the Powerplay.In the following over, Ferguson struck twice in quick succession. Kamindu Mendis was trapped lbw by a 143kph delivery, while Charith Asalanka was caught down the leg side, handing Ferguson a hat-trick. The 33-year-old became the sixth Kiwi bowler to achieve the feat in T20Is.Ferguson's hat-trick shattered Sri Lanka's hopes of chasing down the target. Only three Lankan batters managed double-digit scores, as New Zealand's bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Off-spinner Glenn Phillips also chipped in with three wickets for the BlackCaps.Ferguson's exceptional performance earned him figures of 2-0-7-3, while Phillips finished with 3-1-13-3. The victory marked New Zealand's first in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Irfan Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, celebrates his 40th birthday today. Known for his prodigious swing bowling and vital knocks, Pathan was one of India's most versatile cricketers during his illustrious career.Hat-trick against Pakistan in 2006:Arguably Pathan's most iconic moment came in the Karachi Test against Pakistan in 2006. He became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match, dismissing Salman Butt, Younis Khan, and Mohammad Yousuf in consecutive deliveries. This historic feat etched his name into the annals of cricket history.Man of the Match in the 2007 T20 World Cup Final:Pathan played a pivotal role in India's victory in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. In the high-pressure final against Pakistan, he delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 16, helping India clinch the trophy. His remarkable bowling under pressure earned him the Man of the Match award, contributing significantly to India's historic triumph.Match-winning All-round Show in the Perth Test, 2008:In one of the toughest assignments for any cricketer, an overseas Test in Australia, Pathan produced a stellar all-round performance in Perth in 2008. He took 5 wickets in the match and also scored 46 vital runs in the second innings, helping India secure a rare victory on Australian soil. His ability to make an impact with both bat and ball was on full display, earning him the Man of the Match award in India's famous win at the WACA.Maiden Test Century in 2007:Pathan was not just a bowler but also a more than capable batsman. In the Bangalore Test against Pakistan in 2007, he scored his maiden and only Test century, batting at No. 8. His knock of 102 was a testament to his batting skills and versatility, proving he could contribute with the bat at crucial moments. It remains one of the highlights of his Test career.As Irfan Pathan turns 40, his contributions to Indian cricket are fondly remembered. Whether it was his lethal swing bowling, his crucial knocks with the bat, or his never-say-die spirit, Pathan remains a beloved figure in Indian cricket.

Chetan Sharma's Historic Hat-Trick: A Defining Moment in Indian CricketOn October 31, 1987, Indian cricket history was etched in gold when Chetan Sharma became the first Indian bowler to claim a hat-trick in a World Cup match. This remarkable feat occurred during a group stage encounter against New Zealand in Nagpur, propelling India to a comfortable nine-wicket victory.Sharma's hat-trick unfolded in the 42nd over of New Zealand's innings. With sharp and accurate deliveries, he clean bowled Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, and Ewen Chatfield in succession, leaving the Kiwi batsmen in disbelief. His bowling performance played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to a modest total of 221/9.India's batting lineup, led by Sunil Gavaskar's unbeaten century (103 off 88 balls) and Kris Srikkanth's 75 off 58, made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 32.1 overs. However, it was Sharma's hat-trick that stole the show, becoming the defining moment of the match.Sharma's hat-trick not only marked a historic milestone for Indian cricket but also set a high standard for future generations. Since then, three other Indian bowlers have achieved hat-tricks in ODIs: Kapil Dev, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav (twice).Mohammed Shami remains the only Indian bowler after Sharma to take a hat-trick in an ODI World Cup. During the 2019 World Cup, Shami dismissed Mohammad Nabi, Aftab Alam, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in three consecutive deliveries against Afghanistan, echoing Sharma's historic achievement.Chetan Sharma's hat-trick in the 1987 World Cup remains an iconic moment in Indian cricket history, showcasing the skill, determination, and legacy of one of the country's greatest bowlers.

Irfan Pathan's Historic Hat-Trick: A Moment Etched in Indian Cricket HistoryIn the annals of Indian cricket, Irfan Pathan's hat-trick in the first over of the third Test against Pakistan in 2006 stands as an unforgettable moment. Held at Karachi's National Stadium, the match witnessed Pathan's extraordinary feat, becoming the first and only player to achieve a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match.India entered the match with high hopes, and Pathan, renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways, was entrusted with the new ball on a pitch offering movement. Pakistan's openers, Salman Butt and Imran Farhat, faced the daunting task of countering Pathan's probing deliveries.The fourth ball of Pathan's over proved decisive. A full-length delivery swung in sharply, deceiving Butt, who edged it to Rahul Dravid at first slip. Buoyed by this early success, Pathan unleashed an inswinger that trapped Younis Khan plumb in front. Two wickets in two balls had the crowd stunned and the Indian players sensing something special.For the hat-trick ball, Pathan faced Mohammad Yousuf, another experienced Pakistani batsman. With nerves of steel, he delivered a perfect inswinger that pitched in line and jagged back in. Yousuf was left clueless as the ball crashed into the stumps, completing a historic hat-trick in the very first over of the match.The Indian team erupted in joy as Pathan, arms raised in triumph, was swarmed by his teammates. He became only the second Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick after Harbhajan Singh, but the first to achieve it in the opening over of a match - a record that remains one of the most unique feats in Test cricket.Despite Pakistan's eventual victory in the Test, Pathan's hat-trick became one of the most iconic moments in India-Pakistan cricket history, a testament to his skill and the unpredictable nature of the game.

Hampshire's emphatic 143-run victory over Derbyshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup was orchestrated by a remarkable hat-trick from 18-year-old quick Dominic Kelly. Kelly's heroics, the first List A hat-trick for Hampshire since 1981, capped off a dominant performance that saw the hosts post a formidable 295 for 8.Joe Weatherley laid the foundation for Hampshire's success with a composed 93, while Nick Gubbins contributed a steady 62. The pair's 113-run partnership set the stage for a late onslaught that saw Hampshire amass 85 runs in the final 10 overs.Derbyshire's chase never gained momentum, as Kelly's pace and accuracy proved too much to handle. The young seamer dismissed Zak Chappell, Harry Moore, and Daryl Dupavillon in quick succession to become only the third Hampshire player to achieve a hat-trick in List A cricket.Brooke Guest's 44 provided some resistance for Derbyshire, but the visitors were ultimately bowled out for a meager 152. Kelly finished with impressive figures of 5-19, his first professional five-wicket haul.Hampshire's victory extends their unbeaten run in the Utilita Bowl to three matches, while Derbyshire suffers their second defeat. The result leaves Hampshire in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, while Derbyshire's hopes of progressing are fading.

In a thrilling display of fast bowling prowess, England's Chris Jordan etched his name into the annals of T20 World Cup history by claiming a remarkable hat-trick against the USA in their Super Eights clash at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.Jordan, who hails from Barbados and is familiar with the conditions, showcased his skill and experience by taking four wickets in just five balls, including an elusive hat-trick. The Barbados-born bowler's incredible feat not only highlighted his capabilities but also marked the third hat-trick of the tournament, placing him in elite company with Australia's Pat Cummins, who had achieved the milestone twice.England opted to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid dividends. Reece Topley set the tone by removing Gous in the very first over. Despite a promising start by the USA, who scored 48/2 during the powerplay, Rashid's cunning googlies and Livingstone's wily spin reduced the scoring rate, setting the stage for Jordan's spectacular spell.At the start of the 19th over, the USA innings, which looked modest at 115/6, dramatically unraveled due to Jordan's devastating burst. His first scalp was Corey Anderson, caught brilliantly by Harry Brook, initiating the collapse. What followed was a display of clinical fast bowling: Ali Khan was clean-bowled by a searing delivery, followed by Nosthush Kenjige trapped lbw by a pinpoint yorker. The crowning moment came when Jordan shattered Saurabh Netravalkar's stumps to complete his hat-trick, reducing the USA from 115/6 to 115 all out.Jordan's hat-trick ball was a thing of beauty – a 141kph delivery that beat Netravalkar's attempted drive and crashed into the stumps, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates. This spell not only etched Jordan's name in the record books but also made him the first England bowler to achieve a hat-trick in T20 Internationals.His remarkable over joins the pages of T20 World Cup history, echoing similar feats by Curtis Campher, who also took four wickets in an over in 2021.

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.