News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/21st June 2024
Pat Cummins, the Australian pacer, etched his name in T20 World Cup history by claiming the first hat-trick of the 2024 tournament and the seventh overall during Australia’s Group 1 Super 8 match against Bangladesh. The electrifying performance took place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, where Cummins played a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh to 140/8 after Australia won the toss and opted to bowl.
Throughout the match, Australia maintained the upper hand with timely breakthroughs. Bangladesh’s Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy provided resistance with scores of 40 each, steering their team’s innings. However, Cummins’ decisive spell in the death overs turned the tide in Australia’s favor.
In a dramatic sequence, Cummins claimed his hat-trick in the penultimate over of the innings. He first dismissed Mahmudullah, who chopped a delivery onto his stumps, followed by MAhedi Hasan, who found the fielder at third man off the final delivery of the over. Cummins then struck early in his next over, the 20th of the innings, to dismiss the well-set Hridoy, thereby achieving the rare feat of a T20 World Cup hat-trick.
Cummins joined an elite club of Australian bowlers to achieve a hat-trick in the T20 World Cup, following in the footsteps of Brett Lee, who achieved the milestone against the same opposition during the 2007 edition of the tournament.
The historic hat-trick by Cummins not only showcased his bowling prowess and ability to perform under pressure but also underscored Australia’s dominance in crucial moments of the match. As one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, Cummins’ achievement added to his growing legacy in international cricket, earning praise and admiration from fans and pundits alike.
Australia’s comprehensive victory over Bangladesh, propelled by Cummins’ heroics, sets a strong foundation for their campaign in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024. With momentum on their side, Australia aims to capitalize on their strong start and continue their winning streak in pursuit of T20 cricket’s ultimate prize.
As the tournament progresses, Cummins’ hat-trick will be remembered as a defining moment, highlighting his skill, determination, and contribution to Australia’s quest for T20 World Cup glory. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Cummins’ future performances as he continues to excel on the global stage.
