Rashid Khan, the star Afghanistan leg-spinner, yet again exhibited his tremendous bowling skills in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). Representing Adelaide Strikers, Rashid took his T20s career third and BBL’s first hattrick against Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old completed his hattrick in two overs. In the last two balls of the 11th over, he dismissed James Vince and Jack Edwards. And then when he came to bowl the 13th over, he bowled Jordan Silk on the first ball.
Rashid dismissed Vince by bowling full outside off delivery, drawing the batsman in front; the ball carried an edge towards wicket-keeper. Then came Edwards, who was beaten by the googly. The ball spun quickly and skid on to the pad. The umpire raised his finger; however, the hawk-eye showed it was missing the leg and even bouncing above the stumps.
The final victim was Silk, who had no clue whatsoever. The right-handed batsman fell in the trap of yet another classic googly, which nipped back in to dismantle the stumps. Rashid ran sidewards, having both his hand open to celebrate the magical moment.
🗣️ Rashid Khan's got a hat-trick on Josh Hazlewood's birthday! #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/4alJfpWzCY
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 8, 2020
This was the fifth occasion in the history of BBL when a bowler took a hattrick. Before Rashid, Xavier Doherty, Andrew Tye, and Josh Lalor have scripted the incredible feat.
Big Bash League Hat-Tricks:
Xavier Doherty (Hurricanes) v Thunder in BBL 02
Andrew Tye (Scorchers) v Heat in BBL 06
Andrew Tye (Scorchers) v Sixers in BBL 07
Josh Lalor (Heat) v Scorchers in BBL 08
Rashid Khan (Strikers) v Sixers in BBL 09#BBL #BBL09— Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) January 8, 2020
The match was full of thrill and excitement as even after Rashid’s hattrick, Strikers lost the game as Josh Hazlewood – the birthday boy – sealed the victory for Sixers with three back to back boundaries. Strikers posted 135 on the board, and Sixers chased down the total with eight balls to spare.
Adelaide Strikers will meet Melbourne Renegades in their next match on Sunday (Jan 12), while Sydney Sixers will play against Melbourne Stars on the same day.
