On Sunday, June 23, Pat Cummins etched his name into the record books, becoming the first player to pick up two hat-tricks in T20 World Cups. His remarkable feat came during the Super 8 clash between Australia and Afghanistan at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent.

Cummins’ historic moment came in a crucial juncture of the match. Afghanistan, having posted a strong opening stand, was looking to capitalize in the death overs. Cummins first struck with the last ball of the 18th over, dismissing the dangerous Rashid Khan. This breakthrough set the stage for a dramatic finish.

Cummins closes the Innings in Style

Entrusted with closing out the innings, Cummins returned to bowl the final over. He delivered two lethal deliveries to remove Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib on consecutive balls, thereby completing his second hat-trick in T20 World Cup history. This exceptional spell not only restricted Afghanistan to 148 for 6 but also showcased Cummins’ prowess in high-pressure situations.

Is there anything that this guy cannot do? 🤩

Back-to-back hattricks & #PatCummins enter the record books! 💪🏻

𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝟖 👉 #AFGvAUS | LIVE NOW | #T20WorldCupOnStar (available only in India) pic.twitter.com/2pi0X0ABHx

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 23, 2024

Pat Cummins became the First bowler to take back to back HAT-TRICK in T20 World Cup History ✨️✨️#AUSvsAFG #T20Cricket pic.twitter.com/LUYzzSJlHw

— Shanvi Singh (@Shanvi_25) June 23, 2024

A historic achievement

Cummins’ hat-trick against Afghanistan followed his earlier success in Australia’s first Super 8 match against Bangladesh, making him the first player to achieve the milestone of two T20 World Cup hat-tricks. His wickets of Rashid, Janat, and Naib marked the fifth hat-trick by an Australian player in T20 internationals and the third in the T20 World Cup.

Previously Brett Lee against Bangladesh in 2007, Ashton Agar against South Africa in 2020, Nathan Ellis against Bangladesh in 2021, and Cummins’ own earlier hat-trick against Bangladesh in 2024. Cummins joins an elite group of bowlers with two T20I hat-tricks, including Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Tim Southee (New Zealand), Mark Pavlovic (Serbia), and Waseem Abbas (Malta).

Australia bowlers with hat-tricks in T20Is

• Brett Lee vs Bangladesh, Cape Town, 2007
• Ashton Agar vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2020
• Nathan Ellis vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2021
• Pat Cummins vs Bangladesh, Antigua, 2024
• Pat Cummins vs Afghanistan, Kingstown, 2024*

Significance for Australia

Cummins’ performance was crucial in turning the tide for Australia, who had struggled with their fielding throughout the innings. His ability to deliver under pressure provided a much-needed boost to the team as they prepared to chase Afghanistan’s target of 149 in a must-win game.

Pat Cummins nearly secured four consecutive wickets, but a dropped catch by David Warner off Nangeyalia Kharote’s shot to deep point prevented the feat. Cummins, however, still made history by becoming the first player with two T20 World Cup hat-tricks, remarkably achieved in back-to-back matches. This accomplishment mirrors Lasith Malinga’s record of two ODI World Cup hat-tricks. Cummins joins Wasim Akram as the only players to achieve hat-tricks in consecutive international matches, with Akram accomplishing it in Tests in 1999 and Cummins in T20Is in 2024.

See Also: [Watch] T20 World Cup 2024, Super Eight, India vs Bangladesh: Kuldeep takes revenge for Kohli’s wicket in style

Pat Cummins’ record-breaking achievement not only highlighted his skill as a bowler but also added a thrilling chapter to the ongoing T20 World Cup. As Australia looks to secure a win, Cummins’ hat-trick will be remembered as a defining moment in the tournament.