Before the 2003 World Cup, a hat-trick had been taken 15 times in ODI history and only two of them were in World Cups. Now, it's common knowledge that getting three wickets in three balls is one of the most special achievements for a bowler in cricket. How can that even be bettered? Ask Chaminda Vaas! The left-arm seamer, one of the best bowlers in ODI history, showed just why he was so highly regarded by opponents with a stunning opening spell. Sri Lanka were facing off against Bangladesh in a group encounter at Pietermaritzburgh, South Africa. Sri Lanka opted to bowl and Sanath Jayasuriya's decision could not have had quicker vindication.
Vaas opened the attack. The first ball to opener Hannan Sarkar was on a good length on off and seamed in sharply after pitching. Sarkar swung out wildly, missed and was bowled. Mohammad Ashraful walked in next. Vaas kept it a little fuller and straight. The ball stopped on Ashraful just a touch and a checked shot resulted in a simple return catch to Vaas. Ehsanul Haque came in at No. 4. You could excuse him for being stunned into reality for not every day, would you be expected to walk out for just the third ball of the game. There was no time to think though. Vaas had his tail up. Sri Lanka had 7 fielders in catching positions. Vaas angled this one away, Haque poked and the edge was gobbled up at 2nd slip by Mahela Jayawardene. Off went Vaas, with arms spread eagle, and Bangladesh were 0/3 even before you could blink.
Vaas had become the first bowler, in international cricket history, to take a hat-trick off the first three balls of a match! Beat that for a special hat-trick.
Bangladesh were bundled out for 124 and Sri Lanka chased it down in a canter. Vaas went on to pick three more in the same game, finished with 6/25 and was an obvious choice for Man of the Match.
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