The first-ever T20I match took place on 5th August 2004 between England and New Zealand, marking the birth of this exciting format in international cricket. However, it took almost eight years for the first hat-trick in women’s T20Is, a feat accomplished by Pakistan’s Asmavia Iqbal on 5th September 2012. Less than a month later, India’s Ekta Bisht made history by recording the second hat-trick, which was also the first in an ICC T20 World Cup. As the upcoming tournament nears, let’s revisit Bisht’s memorable performance.
On 3rd October 2012, at the NCC Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s skipper Shashikala Siriwardene opted to bat first. Despite their efforts, the Sri Lankan team struggled to accelerate, scoring just 97 for 4 at the end of the 19th over. One of those wickets came due to Bisht’s sharp fielding, resulting in the run-out of opener Prasadani Weerakkody.
With the final over entrusted to her by captain Mithali Raj, Bisht delivered spectacularly. She dismissed Dilani Manodara, Yasoda Mendis, and Eshani Lokusuriyage in consecutive balls to claim a hat-trick. Adding to the excitement, she also ran out Sandamali Dolawatte, taking her tally to five wickets, including the two runouts. India comfortably chased the modest target of 101 inside 15 overs, wrapping up a dominant performance.
Did you know? 🤔
🇮🇳 Ekta Bisht picked the first hat-trick in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Who do think will pick a hat-trick in the upcoming edition? #CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/pDB2nBJaCM
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 8, 2024
Bisht, a seasoned player who debuted in T20 Internationals on 23rd June 2011 against Australia during the Women’s T20 Quadrangular Series, left a lasting mark in her T20I career. In 42 matches, she claimed 53 wickets at an impressive average of 14.71 and an economy of 5.30. Her career highlight came during the 2016 Women’s T20 World Cup when she took 4/21 against England in Dharamshala. Known for rising to the occasion in high-pressure moments, Bisht’s vast experience proved invaluable to India throughout her career.
Interestingly, across the eight editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (2009-2023), featuring over 160 matches, only two hat-tricks have been recorded. This highlights the rare and remarkable nature of this achievement. The second hat-trick was delivered by England’s Anya Shrubsole on 16th November 2018, when she dismissed Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, and Yolani Fourie of South Africa in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, West Indies.
Ekta Bisht’s hat-trick in the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup stands as a testament to her skill and composure, solidifying her legacy as one of India’s finest bowlers. Similarly, Anya Shrubsole’s hat-trick in 2018 was also another remarkable moment. Both players exemplify the rare brilliance required to achieve such a remarkable feat in women’s cricket.
