Pat Cummins has etched his name into the annals of international cricket history by becoming the first player ever to claim two hat-tricks at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Australian fast bowler’s incredible feat was realized when he dismissed Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, and Gulbadin Naib to clinch his hat-trick in a thrilling match against Afghanistan. Remarkably, this achievement came on the heels of another hat-trick in his previous Super Eight encounter against Bangladesh.
Cummins’ outstanding performance not only marked a personal milestone but also placed him in a very exclusive club in international cricket. He joined the legendary Wasim Akram as only the second player to secure hat-tricks in consecutive matches. Akram set this record in 1999 during the Asian Test Championship, a record that remained unchallenged for 25 years until Cummins matched it.
Wasim Akram’s achievement is etched in cricket folklore. In March 1999, Akram dismissed Romesh Kaluwitharana, Niroshan Bandaratilleke, and Pramodya Wickramasinghe in consecutive deliveries during the third match of the Asian Test Championship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Akram didn’t stop there; he added another hat-trick to his name in the final of the tournament by taking the wickets of Avishka Gunawardene, Chaminda Vaas, and Mahela Jayawardene. His stellar performance played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory in the final by an innings and 175 runs, securing their dominance in the tournament.
Cummins’ hat-trick against Afghanistan was spread across two overs, much like his previous hat-trick against Bangladesh. His precise bowling and strategic mindset were evident as he navigated the high-pressure moments. Cummins later shared his thoughts on his remarkable achievement during the mid-innings break. “Yeah, remembered this one. Crazy to get two in a row after playing 100+ games for Australia,” he remarked. Reflecting on the match against Afghanistan, he acknowledged their strong batting performance and pointed out Australia’s need for improvement in fielding, “They batted well. Decent bowling effort. Not our best day in the field. [Dropped catches] As you said, it is uncharacteristic.
. Maybe the lights.”
Cummins also discussed the changing conditions on the pitch and how they navigated them. “Not too much. Bit of spin through the 20 overs and a bit up and down,” he noted. When queried about their approach to the target set by Afghanistan, he emphasized the need to maintain intent and stay busy at the crease, “They ran pretty well. We need to keep busy with intent.”
The cricketing world has been buzzing with reactions to Cummins’ historic accomplishment. Former cricketers and analysts commended his skill and composure under pressure. Cummins’ back-to-back hat-tricks have not only elevated his status as one of the finest bowlers in the game but have also thrilled cricket fans worldwide, reigniting the excitement and unpredictability that makes T20 cricket so captivating.
Cummins’ achievement comes at a time when Australia is navigating a competitive T20 World Cup campaign. His contributions with the ball have provided crucial breakthroughs for his team, underscoring his value as a match-winner. The Australian team, riding on the momentum of Cummins’ performances, will be looking to carry this energy forward as they aim for glory in the tournament.
This historic milestone also serves as an inspiration for young cricketers worldwide, highlighting the importance of perseverance and skill development. Cummins’ journey to this point has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His success story resonates with aspiring cricketers who dream of making their mark on the grand stage of international cricket.
In conclusion, Pat Cummins’ successive hat-tricks at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have not only matched a long-standing record set by Wasim Akram but have also solidified his place in cricket history. As the first player to achieve this feat in the T20 World Cup’s history, Cummins has set a new benchmark for excellence in the sport. His remarkable accomplishment is a testament to his talent, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes situations. As the tournament progresses, cricket fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances and records being shattered in the electrifying world of T20 cricket.
