Sri Lankan Spinner Maheesh Theekshana Takes First Hat-Trick of 2025 in ODI Against New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand:Sri Lankan off-spinner **Maheesh Theekshana** made history in the second ODI against New Zealand by taking a **hat-trick**, earning the unique distinction of being the first bowler to achieve this feat in 2025.
Sri Lanka is currently on a tour of New Zealand, where the two teams are competing in a three-match ODI series. On **Wednesday**, the second ODI was played under challenging conditions, with rain affecting the match, limiting each team’s innings to 37 overs.
### **New Zealand Sets a Challenging Target**
Batting first after being invited by Sri Lanka, New Zealand posted a competitive total of **255/9** in their allotted 37 overs. **Rachin Ravindra** top-scored for the Kiwis with **79 runs**, while **Mark Chapman** contributed with a solid **62-run** innings.
### **Theekshana’s Historic Hat-Trick**
Maheesh Theekshana was the standout performer with the ball for Sri Lanka, claiming **4 wickets** in his 8-over spell, including the hat-trick. His remarkable achievement came in the **35th over**, where he dismissed **Mitchell Santner** and **Nathan Smith** off consecutive deliveries, and then completed the hat-trick in the **37th over** by sending **Matt Henry** back to the pavilion.
With this feat, Theekshana became the first Sri Lankan bowler to take a hat-trick on New Zealand soil, and the **7th Sri Lankan** to take a hat-trick in ODI cricket.
### **Sri Lanka’s Chase Falls Short**
In reply to New Zealand’s total of 256 runs, Sri Lanka’s chase faltered as they were bundled out for just **142** runs in the **31st over**, losing the match by a margin of **113 runs**. This result gave New Zealand a **2-0** lead in the three-match series, thus securing an unassailable advantage.
### **Looking Ahead**
The third and final ODI of the series will be played on **January 11** in **Auckland**, where Sri Lanka will look to salvage pride and avoid a series whitewash.
Theekshana’s memorable hat-trick not only highlights his skills but also places him in the record books as one of the key performers in this ongoing series.
