NZ vs SL: Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana made history on Wednesday, January 8, as he became the first spinner to take an ODI hat-trick against New Zealand and the fifth overall. His remarkable feat helped restrict the Black Caps to 255/9 after Sri Lanka chose to field first in a rain-affected second game of their three-match series in Hamilton. The match, delayed by 2.5 hours due to rain, was reduced to 37 overs per side. New Zealand, initially at 143/1, faltered and finished at 255/9.

Theekshana started his hat-trick when he sent New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner back on the penultimate ball of the 35th over. He dismissed Nathan Smith next, getting him caught at cover for two in two. Returning for the final over, Theekshana completed his hat-trick by sending Matt Henry back to the pavilion.

Theekshana is the seventh Sri Lanka bowler with an ODI hat-trick; and a list led by Lasith Malinga, who has three. Chaminda Vaas with two is a left-arm pacer. Theekshana is only the second spinner to achieve this feat after Wanindu Hasaranga did it in 2017.

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Bowlers Who Have Taken An ODI Hat-Trick Against New Zealand:

Sri Lankan Bowlers With Hat-trick

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