On Monday, Jason Holder became the first West Indies bowler to take a hat-trick in T20 internationals as he powered his side to a 17-run win over England in the series decider at Kensington Oval. By winning the thrilling finale, West Indies sealed the five-match T20I series 3-2.
Defending 20 runs in the final over, Holder picked up 4 wickets of consecutive deliveries (also known as double-hattrick) and conceded just two runs. He dismissed Chris Jordan, Sam Billings, Adil Rashid and Saqib Mahmood on the second, third, fourth and fifth ball of his over, bundling out England for 162 after West Indies posted 179/4 on the board.
Holder also became the fourth bowler in the history of T20I cricket to bag 4 wickets in as many balls. He has now joined an elite list that includes former Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga, Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher and Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Not only this, Holder even emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the series, taking 15 wickets at an average of 9.6 and an economy rate of 7.78. His teammate Akeal Hosein was the second-best bowler with eight wickets.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga took to Twitter to applaud Holder for his record feat and join him in the elite club.
“Welcome to the club @Jaseholder98! MoM and MoS awards to go with it. What a performance,” tweeted Malinga.
Welcome to the club @Jaseholder98!👏
MoM and MoS awards to go with it. What a performance.#WIvENG— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) January 31, 2022
32-years-old Malinga, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in September last, will be seen in a new role as Sri Lanka gear up for their upcoming T20I series against Australia. The former Lankan quick will travel with the team as bowling strategy coach.
