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In the dynamic world of T20 International cricket, Sri Lanka have distinguished themselves not only as a powerhouse of batting brilliance but also as a breeding ground for exceptional bowling talent. The Island Nation’s rich cricketing history boasts a legacy of formidable bowlers who have consistently posed a daunting challenge to opposition batters.
Among the various accolades earned by these skilled bowlers, the art of achieving a hat-trick in T20Is stands out as a testament to their individual brilliance and their collective contribution to Sri Lanka’s cricketing heritage. From the iconic Lasith Malinga to the emerging talents like Nuwan Thushara, each hat-trick tells a story of skill, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to the craft of bowling. On that note let’s have a look at the list of Sri Lankan bowlers with hat-tricks in T20Is.
Sri Lankan bowlers with hat-tricks in T20Is
1. Thisara Perera (2016)
Thisara Perera etched his name in T20I history with a memorable hat-trick against India in 2016, during a clash in Ranchi. Perera’s victims included the formidable trio of Hardik Pandya, Suresh Raina, and Yuvraj Singh, showcasing his ability to dismiss some of the best in the business.
2. Lasith Malinga (2017 and 2019)
Regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s legendary bowlers, Lasith Malinga has not one but two hat-tricks to his credit in T20Is. The first came in 2017 against Bangladesh in Colombo, with Mushfiqur Rahim, Mashrafe Mortaza, and Mehedi Hasan Miraz falling victim to Malinga’s precision.
Malinga’s second hat-trick occurred in 2019 against New Zealand in Pallekele. This incredible feat saw him claim four wickets in a row, dismissing Colin Munro, Hamish Rutherford, Colin de Grandhomme, and Ross Taylor in a display of unmatched skill and dominance.
Also READ: List of all international five-wicket hauls picked by Ravichandran Ashwin
3. Akila Dananjaya (2021)
In 2021, Akila Dananjaya showcased his spin prowess with a memorable hat-trick against West Indies in Antigua. His victims, Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, and Nicholas Pooran, found themselves at the receiving end of Dananjaya’s guile and variations.
4. Wanindu Hasaranga (2021)
Wanindu Hasaranga added his name to the prestigious list with a hat-trick against South Africa in Sharjah during 2021. Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Dwaine Pretorius were left bamboozled by Hasaranga’s skillful bowling, contributing to Sri Lanka’s bowling dominance.
5. Nuwan Thushara (2024)
The newest member of Sri Lanka’s elite hat-trick club, Nuwan Thushara, achieved this remarkable feat against Bangladesh in Sylhet in 2024. Thushara’s victims included Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah, signaling the emergence of a new bowling sensation.
