Top 5 Players With the Most Hat tricks in ODI Cricket

Hat-tricks are among the rarest and most electrifying moments in cricket.Most Hat tricks in ODI Cricket In One Day Internationals (ODIs), only a handful of world-class bowlers have managed to achieve this feat more than once. Delivering three wickets in consecutive deliveries not only shifts the momentum of the game but also highlights the bowler’s skill, composure, and ability to perform under pressure.

Over the years, legends like Lasith Malinga, Wasim Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Trent Boult, and Chaminda Vaas have left unforgettable marks with their ODI hat-tricks. Let’s take a closer look at the top five players who hold this rare distinction.

Lasith Malinga – The King of Hat-tricks (3 Hat-tricks)

Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga stands alone as the only bowler in ODI history with three hat-tricks to his name. Known for his slinging action and deadly yorkers, Malinga delivered hat-tricks against South Africa (2007), Kenya (2011 World Cup), and Australia (2011).

His ability to dismantle batting line-ups at the death made him one of the greatest limited-overs bowlers ever. Even today, his record remains unmatched in ODI cricket.

Wasim Akram – The Sultan of Swing (2 Hat-tricks)

Pakistan’s legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram claimed two ODI hat-tricks, both against Sri Lanka in 1989 and 1990. Renowned as the “Sultan of Swing,” Wasim’s precision, speed, and ability to move the ball both ways made him a nightmare for batsmen.

He set benchmarks in white-ball cricket and inspired generations of fast bowlers worldwide.

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Saqlain Mushtaq – Master of the Doosra (2 Hat-tricks)

Another Pakistani great, Saqlain Mushtaq, was the first bowler to record two ODI hat-tricks. His first came against Zimbabwe in 1996, followed by another during the 1999 World Cup.

With his innovative doosra and excellent variations, Saqlain revolutionized spin bowling in ODIs during the 1990s.

Trent Boult – New Zealand’s Left-arm Spearhead (2 Hat-tricks)

New Zealand’s Trent Boult has also joined the elite list with two ODI hat-tricks. His first came against Pakistan in 2018, while his second was in the 2019 World Cup against Australia.

Boult’s pace, swing, and sharp accuracy have been crucial in New Zealand’s dominance in world cricket over the past decade.

Chaminda Vaas – A Unique Record (1 Hat-trick)

While Chaminda Vaas took only one ODI hat-trick, it remains historic. Against Bangladesh in the 2003 World Cup, Vaas dismissed three batsmen with the first three balls of the innings.

This remains the only instance in ODI history where a bowler completed a hat-trick at the very start of a match.

Conclusion

Hat-tricks in ODIs are not just about luck—they reflect the bowler’s ability to strike when the team needs it most. From Malinga’s unmatched three hat-tricks to Vaas’s one-of-a-kind record, these moments continue to be celebrated as milestones in cricket history.

As ODI cricket evolves, fans eagerly await who will be the next bowler to join this prestigious list.