What is a Double Hat-Trick?
In cricket, a hat-trick takes place whilst a bowler dismisses 3 consecutive batters with three consecutive legal deliveries. A double hat-trick goes one step further — it taking 4 wickets in 4 balls.
Key Points:
- Hat-trick = 3 wickets in 3 balls
- Double hat-trick = 4 wickets in 4 balls
- All deliveries have to be criminal (no wides, no no-balls).
- Can span across two overs or two innings in some cases, so long as deliveries are consecutive for the bowler.
Table of Contents
Difference Between a Hat-Trick and a Double Hat-Trick
| Feature | Hat-Trick | Double Hat-Trick |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Wickets | 3 | 4 |
| Balls Required | 3 | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare | Extremely rare |
| Impact | High | Match-changing |
| Occurrence in Tests | 46 times approx. | Less than 10 times |
| Occurrence in ODIs | 50+ times | Very few (less than 5) |
History of the Double Hat-Trick
The double hat-trick isn’t an legitimate ICC-recognized time period, but it is extensively used amongst commentators, lovers, and media. It has been performed in each worldwide and home cricket, with the earliest recorded instances dating again to the late 19th century in great matches.
Interesting Fact: The term “double hat-trick” is more common in Australian cricket commentary, while different regions may also actually name it “4 in 4.”
Notable Double Hat-Tricks in Cricket History
Here’s a list of a few well-known 4-in-4 achievements:
| Player Name | Team/Nation | Year | Format | Opposition | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 2007 | ODI | South Africa | ICC World Cup |
| Shaun Tait | South Australia | 2004 | FC | Tasmania | Sheffield Shield |
| Neil Wagner | New Zealand | 2019 | Test | Bangladesh | Test Match |
| Andrew Flintoff | England | 2009 | FC | Warwickshire | County Cricket |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 2019 | T20I | Ireland | International T20 |
| Curtis Campher | Ireland | 2021 | T20I | Netherlands | T20 World Cup |
Case Study 1 – Lasith Malinga’s Iconic four in 4 (2007 World Cup)
One of the most famous double hat-tricks came here from Lasith Malinga for the duration of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup towards South Africa.
- Malinga brushed off Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, and Makhaya Ntini in four balls.
- Despite his brilliant effort, Sri Lanka narrowly lost the match.
- This remains the only double hat-trick in ODI World Cup records.
Case Study 2 – Curtis Campher’s T20I Magic (2021)
In the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Curtis Camphor of Ireland have become a star in a single day:
- Took four wickets in four balls in opposition to the Netherlands.
- Dismissed Ackermann, Edwards, van der Merwe, and Seelaar.
- This changed into simplest the 1/3 double hat-trick in T20I records.
Statistical Rarity of a Double Hat-Trick
| Format | Estimated Hat-Tricks | Estimated Double Hat-Tricks | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | ~46 | <10 | Extremely rare |
| ODI | ~50 | <5 | 1 in ~10,000 balls |
| T20I | ~30 | <3 | 1 in ~15,000 balls |
| Domestic | 200+ | ~15 | Still rare |
Why so rare?
- Batsmen tend to shield strongly after 2-3 wickets fall quickly.
- Bowlers ought to maintain accuracy and version below strain.
Rules and Conditions for a Double Hat-Trick
- Four consecutive wickets — No dot ball, run, or greater in between.
- Can span across overs (last ball of 1 over + 3 in next over).
- Can additionally span across innings in Test cricket.
- Run-outs no longer rely in the direction of the sequence.
- Only bowler-dismissals (bowled, LBW, caught, stumped, hit-wicket) count.
Controversies Around the Term
- Some cricket purists argue the time period “double hat-trick” is misleading, due to the fact “hat-trick” is 3, so doubles have to be six.
- The ICC has no official file category for “double hat-trick”. Instead, authentic scorecards call it “4 wickets in 4 balls.”
- However, the time period remains popular in media insurance and fan discussions.
Related Rare Feats in Cricket
| Feat Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Triple Hat-Trick | 6 wickets in 6 balls (never achieved in pro cricket) |
| Five in Five | 5 wickets in 5 balls (only in club cricket so far) |
| All 10 wickets in innings | Achieved by only 3 bowlers in Test history |
| Four wickets in one over | Includes double hat-trick but also can be non-consecutive |
Famous Bowlers Known for Multiple Hat-Tricks
| Player Name | Country | Number of Hat-Tricks | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 5 | Only bowler with two double hat-tricks in international cricket |
| Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 4 | Swing & seam mastery |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 4 | T20 specialist |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | 3 | Left-arm pace swing |
Double Hat-Trick Impact on Matches
- Psychological strain: The batting facet frequently collapses after 4-in-4.
- Match momentum shift: Can turn losing situations into victories.
- Highlight reel moments: Boosts the bowler’s professional reputation right away.
Conclusion
The double hat-trick is certainly one of cricket’s maximum thrilling and rarest feats, completed through taking 4 wickets in 4 consecutive deliveries. While the time period is unofficial, its effect is undeniable. Whether in an irritating World Cup in shape or a local T20 sport, a double hat-trick can instantly alternate the destiny of a healthy, creating unforgettable moments in cricket history.
Summary
A double hat-trick in cricket approach taking 4 wickets in 4 consecutive deliveries. It is one of the rarest achievements in the game, performed by the handiest handful of bowlers in expert cricket history. This feat calls for awesome ability, accuracy, and intellectual electricity, frequently changing the direction of a fit instantly.
FAQs of Hat-Trick
Can a double hat-trick manifest throughout two overs?
Yes. As lengthy as the deliveries are consecutive for the bowler.
Is “double hat-trick” a reliable term?
No, it’s a casual time period. Officially it’s recorded as “4 wickets in 4 balls.”
Who has the most double hat-hints?
Lasith Malinga has in international cricket, the maximum with the aid of any bowler.
Have all of us taken 5 wickets in 5 balls?
Only in lower-stage cricket; it hasn’t occurred in expert worldwide cricket.
