How Many Wickets Constitute a Double Hat-Trick?

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)