Hat-trick in the men's T20 World Cup: T20 cricket is a batting-dominant game and the margin for error is very small in this format. But there are some bowlers who have mastered the art of bowling in pressure situations. In the bowling spell of four overs, a bowler always tries to take more and more wickets while giving fewer runs. But taking a hat trick is still a dream for many bowlers.

On top of that, taking a hat trick in a World Cup game is one of the rarest feats in the game of cricket. In the eight editions of the T20 World Cup, there are only six instances when a bowler has taken a hat trick in a match.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: Top 5 Biggest Upsets in T20 World Cup history

Players to pick a Hat-trick in men's T20 World Cup

#1. Brett Lee vs Bangladesh | 2007

The first ever hat-trick was taken by Australian speedster Brett Lee in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa. It was the 14th game of the tournament between Australia and Bangladesh. Australia won the toss and batted first. Bangladesh had a poor start and lost a few wickets in the middle. But in the 17th over of the innings, Brett Lee came and changed the game totally.

He dismissed Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, and Alok Kapali off three consecutive balls to register the first hat trick in the T20 World Cup. On the third, fourth, and fifth balls of the over, he got a wicket. Thus, Bangladesh made only 123/8 in 20 overs, and Australia chased it down easily with 13.5 overs and made 124/1.

#2. Curtis Campher vs Netherlands | 2021

It took 14 years to register the second hat trick in the T20 World Cup. But guess what? The 2021 World Cup saw a total of three hat tricks in one single edition. It was the third game of the 2021 event between the Netherlands and Ireland in Abu Dhabi. After winning the toss, the Netherlands chose to bat first, but it went totally wrong. Ireland bowled really well and bowled the Netherlands out for 106 runs. 

Every Irish bowler bowled well, but the match is remembered for Curtis Campher, who took 4/26, including a hat trick. This was only the World Cup's second hat trick. In fact, this was four wickets off four consecutive balls, the first and only time in the World Cup. He came out to bowl the 10th over and on the second, third, fourth, and fifth balls, he dismissed CN Ackermann, RN ten Doeschate, SA Edwards, and RE van der Merwe, respectively. Ireland then chased down 107/3 in 15.1 overs and won the match. 

Read Also: T20 World Cup 2022: Top 5 Players to watch out for in the tournament

#3. Wanindu Hasaranga vs South Africa | 2021

Wanindu Hasaranga registered the third World Cup hat trick and the second in the 2021 edition. It was the 25th match of the tournament between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Sharjah. Batting first, Sri Lanka got all out for 142 runs, with Pathum Nissanka top-scoring with 72 runs. It was not a big total to chase, and they started well.

However, Hasaranga came out to bowl his second spell and registered a hat-trick to break the momentum of the South African chase. He dismissed Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Dwaine Pretorius on three consecutive balls to bring his team into the game. But in the end, South Africa chased the target in the very last over to win the game. 

Also Read: T20 World Cup: Top 5 performances by Indian players

#4. Kagiso Rabada vs England | 2021

The fourth hat trick in the T20 World Cup is registered under the name of Kagiso Rabada. In the 39th match of the 2021 WC between England and South Africa, the English team won the toss and bowled first. With the 103* runs partnership for the third wicket, South Africa scored 189/2 in their 20 overs. It was a competitive total, but England was still the favorite.

England started well and kept up the required run rate. They were at 176/5 in the final over, needing 14 runs. It looked like they would get over the line. But Kagiso Rabada came and took three wickets in the first three balls of the last over to change the momentum in favor of South Africa. And England could only manage to score three runs in that over and lost by 10 runs.

Read Also: Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history

#5. Karthik Meiyappan vs Sri Lanka | 2022

Karthik Meiyappan registered the fifth world cup hat trick and the first in the 2022 edition. It was a group stage game between Sri Lanka and UAE, which eventually Sri Lanka won after a batting collapse of team UAE. Karthik dismissed Dasun Shanaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Charith Asalanka in three consecutive deliveries in the 15th over.

With this hat trick, Karthik becomes only the fifth player to claim a hat trick in men's T20 World Cup history. He is also UAE's first hat-trick taker when it comes to men's T20Is. Although, Karthik's hat trick goes in vain as UAE bowled out on just 73 while chasing 153. Sri Lanka clinch victory by 79 runs, earning their first win in the 2022 edition.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: England Team Preview

#6. Joshua Little vs New Zealand | 2022

Joshua Little registered the sixth hat trick and the second one of the 2022 edition. It was a Super 12 encounter between New Zealand and Ireland. Little picked up the wickets of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson, James Neesham, and Mitchel Santner in the 19th over to register the second hat-trick of the season.

With this hat trick, Little becomes only the sixth player to claim a hat trick in men's T20 World Cup history. He is the second Irish player after Curtis Campher (in 2021 T20 WC)to pick a hat-trick in the T20 World Cup.

N.B: Last Updated on 04/11/2022.

India is a nation where cricket is not just a sport but a religion. The crowd, the stadiums, and most importantly, the passion for cricket that the vibrant atmosphere brings, have made every ICC tournament hosted on Indian soil unforgettable.

Therefore, when it comes to hosting ICC tournaments, India delivers an experience like no other.

This article will take you through the history and highlights of ICC tournaments hosted by India that captivated millions.

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, inaugurated in 1975, has had 13 seasons so far. Out of which, India hosted the tournament 4 times, in the years: 1987, 1996, 2011, 2023. They are also scheduled to host the 2031 season, alongside Bangladesh.

Here's the detailed highlight of each year:

1987: First edition in India, co-hosted with Pakistan

The 1987 Cricket World Cup was the first time the tournament was held outside England. It was known as the "Reliance Cup" due to sponsorship and was also the first 50-over WC, reduced from 60 overs in previous editions.

Co-hosted with Pakistan, India topped the group stage and had a great season. However, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

The Final was played at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, between Australia and England. Australia won their first title and lifted the World Cup with pride on Indian soil.

1996: Second edition with co-hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka

This edition was hosted by India, along with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India faced a controversial semi-final defeat against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was caused due to crowd disturbance and India's collapsing run chase, which ultimately led to the game being abandoned.

Sri Lanka won their first WC title by defeating Australia and became the first co-host to do so.

2011: India's home triumph

Co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, this was India's ultimate dream and crowning moment. Led by MS Dhoni, India had a dominant campaign and went on to win the World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in a memorable final.

India became the first team to win the World Cup on home soil. The fact that the final match was held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, makes it even more special. The roar of the crowd, legendary performances, and the winning six will be forever etched in the hearts of millions.

The final was also the first time two Asian teams played against each other in the tournament's history.

Read Also: India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

2023: India's unfulfilled dream and heartbreak on home soil

As sole host, India delivered a spectacular performance throughout the tournament. They dominated every opponent in the group stage and the semi-final, without losing a single match across all venues.

However, despite their brilliant efforts, they lost to the Australian side in the final, held at the world's largest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This was a major heartbreak for the team and fans, who dreamed of a home victory after 12 years.

Virat Kohli was named the player of the tournament, setting a new record for most runs in a single WC edition, and Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup

India has formally hosted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup twice. Here's a summary of those tournaments:

2016: A carnival of T20 cricket on Indian soil

India battled through every match brilliantly in the season with a great squad. However, their journey ended in the semi-final with a high-scoring loss against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

This season was a special one and delivered many dramatic, nail-biting encounters. The final match, held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is also popular for its thrilling finish, where Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to seal the victory for WI against England.

Read Also: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

2021: India's hostship amidst global challenges (Held in UAE & Oman)

Although India was the designated host, the tournament was moved to the UAE and Oman due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. They also had a disappointing campaign, failing to qualify for the semi-finals.

ICC Men's Champions Trophy

India officially hosted the ICC Men's Champions Trophy once, in 2006, and is set to host the 2029 edition.

2006: India's first and only edition as hosts

This was the fifth edition of the Champions Trophy and the first time India had the sole hosting rights. They had a disappointing start to the season and failed to progress beyond the group stage, leading to an early exit.

The tournament featured 10 teams, and the Australian side, led by Ricky Ponting, emerged as champions.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

India has hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 3 times, in the years 1978, 1997, and 2013. They are also scheduled to co-host the 2025 season.

Read Also: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Full Schedule announced; India to face Pakistan on October 5

1978: The inaugural WC on Indian soil

This was India's debut World Cup appearance as well as the first time hosting the tournament. They lost all three matches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in the round-robin format, and finished fourth (last).

This was the first time the tournament was being hosted outside England. 

1997: A record-breaking season in India

This was the largest Women's World Cup at that time, featuring 11 teams and 32 matches across various venues in India. India put up a strong fight, but was defeated by Australia in the semis.

The final at Eden Gardens attracted a significant crowd, showcasing the growing interest in women's cricket. Australia won their fourth WC title, and their second on Indian soil.

2013: India's early exit in the home tournament

This edition saw several close matches throughout the group stage. India, as hosts, had a disappointing campaign and failed to go beyond the group stage. Yet again, Australia secured their sixth WC title, and the 3rd on Indian soil.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup, organised in 2009, has conducted 9 seasons so far. India has hosted the tournament once, in 2016.

2016: A global showcase of women's T20 cricket in India

This tournament, held alongside the Men's T20 World Cup, served as a significant platform. India had a challenging season, winning only a single match against Bangladesh and losing the remaining ones.

West Indies emerged as champions in an intense final against Australia and lifted their first T20 World Cup title.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

Upcoming ICC tournaments to be hosted by India:

Players with the ability to go big in the shortest format, like T20 and the grandest stage, like the World Cup, are something special. Over the years, we have witnessed several rapid-fire hundreds. But who scored the fastest century in the T20 World Cups among them?

It is time to find out who did it quicker than anyone else in this high-stakes tournament. Here's the list of players and their fastest ton feats for you to check:

Chris Gayle: Etching his name twice in history (47-ball and 50-ball record)

• Fastest century: in 47 balls vs ENG (2016)
• Second-fastest: in 50 balls vs SA (2007)

The West Indies legend, Chris Gayle, remarkably holds not just one, but the top two records for the fastest centuries in the T20 World Cup. He set the bar so high with his explosive batting qualities that no one dared to come closer.

His record-shattering fastest century came in 2016 edition against England, where he scored a century in only 47 balls. He hit 5 fours and 11 sixes with a strike rate above 200! He was also unbeaten and chased down the total to contribute to the 6-wicket victory.

Adding to his legacy, Gayle occupies the 2nd rank as well in this prestigious list, with his century in the 2007 T20 World Cup in 50 balls. This was his first century in the history of the tournament, and was the fastest for 9 years until he broke his own record.

Gayle's fearless approach and ability to change the course of a match are what set him apart from the rest at the highest level.

Read Also: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

3. Brendon McCullum (51 balls) vs BAN | 2012

The New Zealand powerhouse, Brendon McCullum, stands third on this list with a blistering century off just 51 balls against Bangladesh in the 2012 T20 World Cup. This was his first-ever and the only century in the tournament's history.

It was also a historic moment for his nation, as it was the first time a New Zealand batter scored a century in T20 World Cup, setting a high standard for his countrymen.

4. Rilee Rossouw (52 balls) vs BAN | 2022

South Africa's Rilee Rossouw smashed his maiden T20 World Cup century in 52 balls, which is the fourth-highest so far. He helped the Proteas set a huge total of 205 on the board, making things difficult for Bangladesh in the second innings, and eventually winning in the end.

Read Also: Best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

5. Ahmed Shehzad (58 balls) vs BAN | 2014

Ahmed Shehzad registered Pakistan's fastest T20 World Cup century, scoring it in 58 balls against Bangladesh in 2014. He opened for the team and stayed unbeaten till the end, helping them build a strong total at a crucial time.

Despite a middle-order collapse, he saved the situation and converted it into a victory.

6. Suresh Raina (59 balls) vs SA | 2010

Suresh Raina's explosive 59-ball century against South Africa in the 2010 T20 WC places him among the fastest centurions. He is the only Indian batter in the list to score a hundred in less than 60 balls.

What made this knock more memorable is the fact that this was his first T20 World Cup century.

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

7. Alex Hales (60 balls) vs SL | 2014

Alex Hales brought up his hundred for England in 60 balls against Sri Lanka in 2014. His performance was a blend of calculated aggression and elegant striking.

He picked up the team after the fall of early wickets and chased down a huge total by staying till the end, which resulted in a 6-wicket victory.

8. Tamim Iqbal (60 balls) vs OMA | 2016

Tamim Iqbal stands as the only Bangladeshi batter to score a century in the T20 World Cup to date. His century also made it to the Top 10 fastest centuries and equalled the 60-ball mark as Hales.

This performance was crucial for the nation's campaign in the 2016 edition and also transformed him into a great limited-overs opener.

9. Glenn Phillips (61 balls) vs Sri Lanka | 2022

New Zealand's "Zippy," Glenn Phillips, added his name to the fastest century list with a 61-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in the 2022 edition. This knock marked his second century in T20 Internationals.

In a display of aggressive but controlled batting, Phillips proved to be crucial for his nation, cementing his place as a dynamic T20 batter.

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

10. Mahela Jayawardene (63 balls) vs ZIM | 2010

Mahela Jayawardene, the elegant Sri Lankan maestro, scored a rapid 63-ball century against Zimbabwe in the 2010 T20 World Cup. His innings, a display of his class and ability to accelerate when needed, was a key factor in his team's strong record.

This century was also Sri Lanka's first in the T20 World Cup history.

Bowling contribution in a format like T20 matters a lot. One single good spell can crush the opponent down and turn the game completely in a blink. The T20 World Cup is a stage where some truly legendary bowlers have delivered such game-changer spells that are remembered for years!

So, let's take a look at such a fabulous class and display of bowling that goes down in history. Here are the best bowling spells in T20 World Cups:

1. Ajantha Mendis (6/8 in 4 overs) vs ZIM | 2012

• Wickets taken: 6
• Runs conceded: 8
• Overs: 4.0
• Maidens: 2
• Economy: 2.0

The Sri Lankan mystery spinner, Ajantha Mendis, holds the record for the best bowling spell in T20 World Cup history. Playing against Zimbabwe in 2012, he achieved this feat with his carrom ball and variations, tearing through their batting lineup.

Mendis bowled 4 overs, two of which were maidens, conceding only 8 runs while picking up 6 wickets. With this extraordinary performance, he became the first and only bowler to deliver a 6-wicket haul in the T20 World Cup.

He is deserving of all the credit for Sri Lanka's dominant victory in the match and for ending the contest single-handedly.

Read Also: Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)

2. Rangana Herath (5/3 in 3.3 overs) vs NZ | 2014

• Wickets taken: 5
• Runs conceded: 3
• Overs: 3.3
• Maidens: 2
• Economy: 0.85

Another spinner from Sri Lanka, Rangana Herath, has secured his position right at the 2nd spot for best bowling spells in T20 World Cups. His spell was full of unbelievable control and precision, which did not let New Zealand chase down a mere target of 120 runs.

Herath's destructive spell fetched him 5 wickets in only 3.3 overs, with two maidens. He took the first three wickets without conceding a single run, and later gave away only 2 more runs! 

His match-winning efforts collapsed the strong middle order and sealed the victory. This was a very special spell, that too, coming in the same year when Sri Lanka lifted the T20 World Cup for the first time (2014).

3. Umar Gul (5/6 in 3 overs) vs NZ | 2009

• Wickets taken: 5
• Runs conceded: 6
• Overs: 3.0
• Maidens: 0
• Economy: 2.00

The Pakistani pacer Umar Gul's performance against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup stands out as one of the most destructive fast-bowling spells in the tournament's history. His pinpoint yorkers and smart changes in pace dismissed the batters in quick succession.

In just 3 overs, Gul picked up 5 wickets, conceding only 6 runs. His contribution helped them restrict the opponent to 99 runs in the first innings, and he eventually bagged him the POTM trophy after their one-sided victory.

Read Also: Teams and Results of Every T20 World Cup Finals

The next set of players in the list of best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

Following the Top 3 performances, there's an impressive list of players who have such impressive figures in T20 World Cup history. Check them out:

The T20I circuit in 2025 has already seen an explosion of sixes from both men and women. In a fast-paced format like this, only players with exceptional hitting abilities thrive.

From established names to emerging talents, here comes the list of most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far. See who has consistently cleared the ropes, smashing the ball out of the field of play for a six!

Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (Men's)

It is impressive to see players from nations not widely considered as cricketing powerhouses making their way up in the six-hitting charts. For instance, Karanbir Singh of Austria is leading the list with 40 sixes in 2025 so far.

Other players like Jermaine Baker and Yuvraj Samra are also ahead of the list from the worldwide cricket giants. Then comes the emerging star of India, Abhishek Sharma, who seals the 4th place with 24 sixes in just 5 innings and has the potential to move further on top.

Read Also: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

Here's the complete list:

Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (Women's)

The West Indies power-hitter Deandra Dottin is currently leading the charts with 12 sixes in only 3 innings in WT20Is. This is not a surprise coming from the player with the record of fastest century in T20Is.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

Check out who else is up in the race for most sixes in T20 internationals in 2025.

Every young cricketer dreams of scoring a century for their nation on an international stage. But for a precious few, that dream became a jaw-dropping reality early in their careers.

India has been gifted with such memorable centuries by youngsters who later turned out to be cricketing legends. We are talking about Sachin Tendulkar and his unmatched legacy in the list of the youngest Indians to score an international century.

Check out the other names that follow up with their quality batting skills.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (17 years 107 days) | 1990

Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest Indian cricketer ever and the 3rd youngest overall to score an international century with his maiden century at Old Trafford, in August 1990. At just 17 years and 107 days old, he scored an unbeaten 119 in the fourth innings, helping India to save the Test match against England.

Sachin not only announced his arrival on the global stage with this knock, but also helped India secure a draw in the test.

Read Also: Sachin vs Kohli: Stats Comparison in Test Cricket

2. Prithvi Shaw (18 years 329 days) | 2018

Prithvi Shaw became the youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut and the second-youngest in this list of international centuries with his knock against the West Indies in October 2018. He was only 18 years and 329 days old at that time.

He reached his hundred in 99 balls and scored 134 runs in that innings, which marked a spectacular test debut.

3. Kapil Dev (20 years 18 days) | 1979

India's legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev, holds the third place with his century against the West Indies on home soil in 1979. It was his first test century, at the age of 20 years and 18 days. He was 126 not out in the particular innings.

4. Abbas Ali Baig (20 years 126 days) | 1959

Abbas Ali Baig scored his first test century at the age of 20 years and 126 days against England in July 1959. This made him the first Indian to score a century on Test debut outside India and the fourth youngest centurion in this elite list.

Apart from his brilliant achievements in the field of cricket, he is also famously remembered for being kissed by a female fan during a Test match in Bombay.

Read Also: Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

5. Madhav Apte (20 years 137 days) | 1953

The former Indian test opener, Madhav Apte, scored his only test century at the age of 20 years 137 days in January 1953 against the West Indies. He made 163 not out in the fifth test of the series.

Despite the impressive century and a good tour, his Test career was surprisingly short-lived, playing only 7 tests.

6. Ajay Ratra (20 years 148 days) | 2002

Ajay Ratra is a former wicket-keeper batter who also had a short-lived test career, comprising 6 test matches. However, he scored an impactful century at only 20 years and 148 days of age, which puts him in the 6th place for the youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.

He scored this in May 2002 against the West Indies and helped India secure a draw on a flat pitch.

7. Ravi Shastri (20 years 248 days) | 1983

Ravi Shastri scored his first test century in January 1983 at the age of 20 years and 248 days. He scored 128 in that innings against Pakistan's strong pace attack led by Imran Khan.

This innings transitioned him into an opening batsman, showcasing his finest skills and ability to adapt.

Read Also: 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium

8. Vijay Manjrekar (20 years 253 days) | 1952

Vijay Manjrekar delivered a key performance on the international stage early in his career with his Test century against England in 1952. At the age of 20 years and 253 days, he stood elegantly against a great English bowling attack.

9. Gundappa Viswanath (20 years 276 days) | 1969

Gundappa Viswanath holds the 9th position with his maiden Test century against Australia in 1969, when he was 20 years and 276 days old. After a duck in his first innings, he bounced back with a magnificent 136 runs in the second innings.

This knock brought him into the limelight at an early age, and also helped the nation see his ability to score under pressure.

Read Also: Fastest Indians to score 2000 test runs

10. Rishabh Pant (20 years 338 days) | 2018

Rishabh Pant's aggressive and fearless approach came into light with his maiden Test century at 20 years and 338 days of age, making his way to the Top 10 youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.

With this performance in 2018, Pant also became the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a test century in England.