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In the Group A First Round match against Sri Lanka, Chennai-born Karthik Meiyappan became the first bowler to pick up a hat-trick in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Playing for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Meiyappan dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka off consecutive deliveries in the 15th over as the Islanders slumped to 117 for 5, from a comfortable 92/2.
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka smashed 74 runs off 60 balls to take the Sri Lankan total to 152 for 8. In reply, the UAE were bundled out for a paltry 73 in 17.1 overs.
Meiyappan hopes for CSK call-up at IPL auction
With the tentative date for the mini-auction of IPL 2023 already in, Meiyappan hopes to receive a maiden call-up by the four-times champion, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK roped him in during the second phase of IPL 2021 but as a net bowler; however, Meiyappan is hopeful of being picked in the squad this time.
“That is something I don’t know about. But I hope they do,” said the 22-year-old when quizzed about the probability of him being picked by CSK.
Back in 2020, when the IPL was shifted from India to the UAE due COVID-19 pandemic, Meiyappan was a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) training camp alongside Ahmed Raza.
“I came down during my off-season to work with Venkataraman Sir. In the last two years, I have grown a lot as a spinner. After the U19 World Cup, being able to spend time with RCB in the IPL as a bowler was a very enriching experience,” Meiyappan was quoted as saying to the Indian Express.
“It’s not often you get the chance to rub shoulders with the best and learn how they prepare for a game. And then in 2021, I had the opportunity to be with the Super Kings, which again was a very nice experience,” he added.
