The ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has witnessed a historic feat by Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins. Facing Afghanistan in a crucial Super Eights clash, Cummins etched his name in cricketing folklore by claiming a sensational hat-trick – his second in as many matches!
This remarkable achievement places Cummins in a very exclusive club. He joins the likes of Lasith Malinga, Tim Southee, Serbia’s Mark Pavlovic, and Malta’s Waseem Abbas as the only players to have bagged two hat-tricks in T20 Internationals.
The drama unfolded at the picturesque Arnos Vale Stadium in St. Vincent. Cummins, fresh off his hat-trick heroics against Bangladesh just three days prior, picked up where he left off. With the pressure mounting on Afghanistan in the latter stages of their innings, Cummins unleashed his lethal pace bowling.
The drama began with the final ball of the 18th over. The wily Australian sent down a scorching delivery that Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan captain and batting mainstay, could only manage to sky high. A safe pair of hands at long-on completed the dismissal, sending a collective gasp through the crowd.
The 20th over witnessed even more fireworks. The very first ball saw another clinical delivery by Cummins, this time removing the dangerous Karim Janat with a dismissal eerily similar to Rashid Khan’s. The tension was palpable as Cummins, clearly aware of the hat-trick opportunity this time around, steamed in for the hat-trick ball.
While Gulbadin Naib, the last recognized batsman, attempted a desperate slog, his ambitious shot only found the deep mid-wicket fielder. The roar from the Australian camp was deafening as they celebrated a truly remarkable feat – Cummins had become the first player ever to achieve back-to-back hat-tricks in T20 World Cup history!
Speaking to reporters during the innings break, Cummins, still buzzing from his achievement, chuckled and admitted, “Yeah, remembered this one,” referencing his forgetfulness about the hat-trick chance against Bangladesh. He went on to express his disbelief, stating, “Crazy to get two in a row after playing over 100 games for Australia.”
Cummins’ fiery spell wasn’t the only highlight of the match. He even came close to achieving a rare four-wicket haul in four balls – a feat only accomplished by Ireland’s Curtis Campher in the 2021 World Cup. However, a valiant fielding effort by David Warner at deep square leg fell just short, denying Cummins an even more historic outing.
This match has not only cemented Cummins‘ place as a true cricketing legend but also promises a thrilling remainder of the World Cup. With the likes of Cummins leading the charge, the competition for the coveted trophy is sure to be fierce. Stay tuned to Epicinnings.com for all the latest updates and exclusive analysis as the tournament unfolds!
