Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has secured the first hat-trick of 2025 in the second ODI against New Zealand.

 

As per the details, Theekshana on Wednesday dismissed Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Nathan Smith.

 

He took two wickets on the last two balls of the 35th over and completed his hat-trick by dismissing Matt Henry with the first ball of the 37th over, also becoming the sixth Sri Lankan bowler to secure a hat-trick in ODI cricket.

 

 

Chaminda Vaas had previously took hat-tricks against Zimbabwe in 2001 and Bangladesh in 2003, while Lasith Malinga had achieved the feat against South Africa in 2007. Among other Sri Lankan bowlers who have secured hat-tricks are Farveez Maharoof, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana.

 

Theekshana’s outstanding performance, however, could not secure Sri Lanka a win.

 

New Zealand scored 255 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the rain-affected ODI played in Hamilton. In pursuit of the target, the Sri Lankan team was bowled out for 142 runs in 30.2 overs. Rachin Ravindra was declared the man of the match for his brilliant innings of 79 runs.