In cricket, a bowler taking a “hat-trick” is one of the most exciting moments in the game. It’s a rare and special achievement that can completely change the course of a match. We all know a hat-trick means three wickets in three balls.
But what happens if a bowler does something even more incredible? What if they take four wickets in four balls? What is that called, and how many wickets truly make a “double hat-trick”? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
First, Let’s Quickly Define a Regular Hat-Trick
Before we get to the “double,” it’s important to be clear on the original.
- A Hat-Trick: A bowler achieves a hat-trick when they dismiss three different batsmen with three consecutive deliveries they bowl.
It’s a huge accomplishment and celebrated by the entire team and the fans. Now, let’s go one step further.
The Big Question: How Many Wickets in a Double Hat-Trick?
This is where it gets interesting because the term “double hat-trick” is not officially defined in the Laws of Cricket. It’s a name created by fans, commentators, and the media. Because of this, it can have two common meanings.
Meaning 1: Four Wickets in Four Balls (The Common Meaning) Today, when most people in the cricket world talk about a “double hat-trick,” they are referring to a bowler taking four wickets in four consecutive balls.
Think of it like this: The bowler gets a hat-trick (3 wickets) and then adds one more wicket on the very next ball, making it a “double” achievement. This is the most widely accepted definition in modern cricket.
Meaning 2: Six Wickets in Six Balls (The Literal Meaning) Some people interpret the term “double hat-trick” literally. Since a hat-trick is 3 wickets, a “double” version would be 3 + 3 = 6 wickets.
This would mean a bowler taking six wickets with six consecutive deliveries. This is an almost impossible feat in a professional cricket match and has never happened in international cricket.
So, What’s the Correct Answer? While both meanings exist, the most common and accepted answer is four wickets in four balls. If a bowler achieves this, they are often said to have taken a double hat-trick.
Has Any Bowler Ever Taken a Double Hat-Trick?
Yes! Taking four wickets in four balls is incredibly rare, but it has happened in international cricket.
- The Most Famous Example: Lasith Malinga The most iconic double hat-trick belongs to Sri Lanka’s legendary bowler, Lasith Malinga. During the 2007 Cricket World Cup against South Africa, he stunned the world by taking four wickets in four consecutive balls, almost winning the game for his team out of nowhere.
- Other Stars Who Did It Since Malinga, other bowlers have also achieved this amazing feat in international matches, including Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Curtis Campher (Ireland), and Jason Holder (West Indies), usually in T20 cricket where the game moves much faster.
What About Five Wickets in a Row?
If a double hat-trick is four wickets, what would five be called? There isn’t a common name for it, but it has happened in professional domestic cricket, making it even rarer. It shows the incredible level of skill a bowler can have.
Conclusion: A Truly Special Feat
To summarize, here is the simple answer:
- A hat-trick is 3 wickets in 3 balls.
- A double hat-trick is most commonly known as 4 wickets in 4 balls.
It is one of the rarest and most difficult achievements for a bowler. It takes immense skill, accuracy, and a little bit of luck. So, the next time you are watching a cricket match and a bowler takes three wickets, hold your breath. You might just be about to witness history with a double hat-trick!
