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Australia pacer Pat Cummins rewrote the T20 World Cup record book on Saturday evening in Kingstown, becoming the first player ever to register two hat-tricks in the tournament. This historic feat unfolded during Group 1’s Super Eight clash against Afghanistan.
Pat Cummins’ hat-trick vs Afghanistan
Cummins’ magic began in the 18th over. Facing the Afghanistan skipper, Rashid Khan, Cummins displayed his tactical prowess. He cleverly delivered a slightly short ball with reduced pace, tempting the big-hitter into a rash shot. Khan miscued the delivery, sending it soaring straight into the hands of the long-on fielder, a crucial dismissal for Australia.
Not content with just one hat-trick in as many matches, Cummins was brought back for the final over by captain Mitchell Marsh. Sensing an opportunity for cricketing history, Cummins upped the ante. He deceived the next batsman, Karim Janat, with a cunning slower ball. Janat, deceived by the change of pace, failed to control his shot, sending it skyward for a well-taken catch at wide long-on. The tension on the field was palpable as Cummins, needing just one more wicket for history, prepared to bowl the second delivery.
With the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Cummins adjusted his length slightly, a subtle change that proved decisive. Gulbadin Naib attempted a pull shot but mistimed it, sending the ball straight into the welcoming hands of the fielder stationed at leg sweep. The crowd erupted as Cummins completed the unthinkable: two hat-tricks in consecutive T20 World Cup matches.
Here’s the video:
Also WATCH: Australia pacer Pat Cummins picks up a hat-trick against Bangladesh | T20 World Cup 2024
Cummins help Australia in restricting Afghanistan for 148
This incredible feat cemented Cummins’ place in cricketing folklore. He is not only the first player with two T20 World Cup hat-tricks but also the pioneer of achieving back-to-back hat-tricks in T20 internationals.
Cummins’ brilliant bowling spell (3/28) was instrumental in restricting a rampant Afghanistan batting line-up. After a blistering start (118/0), the Afghans were brought back down to earth by Cummins’ mastery. His spell eventually restricted them to a manageable total of 148/6.
