What is a Double Hat-Trick in Cricket?
In the sport of cricket, a hat-trick refers to a bowler taking 3 wickets in 3 consecutive deliveries. But what if a bowler goes beyond that? That’s wherein the double hat-trick comes in.
A double hat-trick happens whilst a bowler takes 4 wickets in 4 consecutive deliveries.
⚠️ Important: Despite the call, a double hat-trick does now not suggest 6 wickets (which might be a literal “double” of 3). It is rather established in cricketing circles as 4 wickets in 4 balls.
Quick Comparison Table: Hat-Trick vs. Double Hat-Trick vs. Triple Hat-Trick
| Term | Number of Wickets | Number of Balls | Consecutive Deliveries Required | Is It Officially Recognized? |
| Hat-Trick | 3 | 3 | Yes | Yes |
| Double Hat-Trick | 4 | 4 | Yes | Not officially a term by ICC |
| Triple Hat-Trick | 5 or 6 (debated) | 5 or 6 | Yes | Rare and not formally defined |
Origin and Evolution of the Term “Hat-Trick”
The time period hat-trick originated in the 19th century in English cricket when a bowler who took 3 wickets in 3 balls was given a hat as a prize. Over time, the time period has become official in cricketing vocabulary.
The “double hat-trick”, but, is extra of a colloquial or casual term, used by fans, commentators, and analysts. It isn’t always formally listed as a separate class in ICC’s record books, however it’s widely understood.
Rules to Qualify for a Double Hat-Trick
To gain a double hat-trick, the subsequent situations must be fulfilled:
- Four wickets should fall on 4 successive felony deliveries.
- Wickets may be any shape: bowled, LBW, stuck, stumped, or hit wicket.
- No greater ball (wide or no-ball) has to intrude.
- The same bowler ought to supply all 4 balls.
Famous Double Hat-Tricks in Cricket History
✅ Lasith Malinga – 2007 World Cup (Sri Lanka vs South Africa)
- Date: March 28, 2007
- Wickets Taken: 4 in 4 balls
- Batsmen Dismissed: Pollock, Hall, Kallis, Ntini
- Match Impact: Nearly gained the in shape unmarried-handedly for Sri Lanka.
✅ Rashid Khan – 2019 (Afghanistan vs Ireland)
- Date: February 25, 2019
- Format: T20I
- Wickets Taken: 4 in 4 balls
- Notable: First Afghan to reap this in T20Is.
✅ Andre Russell – Caribbean Premier League 2018
- Format: T20
- Achievement: Took 4 wickets in 4 balls and additionally scored a century in the equal match – a record-breaking overall performance.
Why is a Double Hat-Trick So Rare?
🏏 The odds of having 4 wickets in four balls are extraordinarily low due to the fact:
- Top-order batsmen are typically extra professional.
- Bowlers need to preserve line, duration, and stress throughout more than one deliveries.
- Even in tail-give up collapses, it’s difficult to string four consecutive wickets without an interruption (no-ball, wide, and so forth).
How Does It Differ from a Hat-Trick?
| Aspect | Hat-Trick | Double Hat-Trick |
| Number of Deliveries | 3 consecutive legal deliveries | 4 consecutive legal deliveries |
| Wickets Required | 3 | 4 |
| Frequency | Rare | Extremely Rare |
| ICC Official Term? | Yes | No (used informally) |
| Celebration Level | High | Off-the-charts! |
Most Wickets in Consecutive Balls – Beyond Double Hat-Trick
While double hat-tricks are superb, a few bowlers have taken more than 4 wickets in 4 balls:
| Player | Wickets in Balls | Match | Format |
| Aled Carey | 6 in 6 balls | Club Cricket (Australia) | Limited Overs |
| Lasith Malinga | 4 in 4 balls | World Cup 2007 | ODI |
| Rashid Khan | 4 in 4 balls | Afghanistan vs Ireland 2019 | T20I |
Double Hat-Trick Rules According to Formats
⚪ Test Cricket:
- Rare because of lengthy innings and solid partnerships.
- No bowler has taken four in 4 balls in Tests in present day cricket.
🟠 One Day Internationals (ODIs):
- Lasith Malinga is the standout performer.
- Wicket-taking bursts like those often alternate recreational momentum.
🔵 T20 Cricket:
- More possible because of aggressive batting.
- Rashid Khan and Andre Russell have finished this in franchise and worldwide formats.
Interesting Facts
- A double hat-trick is from time to time additionally referred to as a “4-wicket burst”, especially in stats.
- The time period is used unofficially by using cricket fanatics and sports activities reporters.
- In delusion cricket leagues, a double hat-trick can fetch the highest bowling factors.
Cricket Laws and Recognition
The International Cricket Council (ICC) acknowledges hat-hints, however it no longer officially defines “double hat-trick” in its rulebook. However, it tracks wickets in line with ball information and such achievements are extensively celebrated in match reports, social media, and highlights.
Statistical Rarity
| Probability Estimate (approx.) | Event |
| 1 in 500 matches | Hat-Trick |
| 1 in 10,000 matches | Double Hat-Trick |
| <1 in 50,000 matches | 5 Wickets in 5 Balls |
Commentary Reactions: When It Happens Live
When a bowler takes 4 in 4 balls:
- Commentators erupt with exhilaration.
- Social media explodes with memes and tributes.
- Broadcasters replay the deliveries repeatedly, now and again with sluggish movement and evaluation.
Confusions Around the Term
Some humans mistakenly trust a double hat-trick equals 6 wickets, but in present day cricket lingo:
- Hat-trick = 3 wickets
- Double Hat-trick = 4 wickets
- Anything beyond 4 is called “5 in 5” or “6 in 6”, without any reputable catchy name.
Conclusion
So, what number of wickets constitute a double hat-trick?
The answer is 4 wickets in four consecutive deliveries via a single bowler. Though not officially codified via the ICC, it is a widely understood and cherished milestone internationally. With the developing popularity of T20s and competitive formats, we may additionally witness greater of those rare bowling marvels in the future.
Summary
A double hat-trick in cricket is an extraordinary and exciting fulfillment where a bowler takes 4 wickets in four consecutive deliveries. This feat surpasses the standard hat-trick (3 wickets in 3 balls) and is celebrated globally for its trouble. Learn extra about its policies, records, and famous moments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is double hat-trick an official cricket time period?
No, it's a casual term utilized by fans and media, although the feat itself is recorded.
Who changed into the first to take a double hat-trick?
There is no clean record of the “first,” however Lasith Malinga’s 2007 World Cup overall performance is the most famous.
Can a double hat-trick happen throughout two overs?
Yes, as long as the four wickets fall on consecutive prison deliveries with the aid of the same bowler, across any range of overs or innings.
What is rarer: a hat-trick or a double hat-trick?
A double hat-trick is considerably rarer, making it one among cricket’s most elite accomplishments.