Wanindu Hasaranga became the fourth Sri Lanka bowler to take a T20 international hat-trick against South Africa in the men’s World Cup in Sharjah.

The legspinner picked up Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Dwaine Pretorius across two overs to finish with figures of 3 for 20.

He becomes the fourth player representing Sri Lanka to take three in a row following Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga (twice) and Akila Dananjaya.

Markram kicked off the streak at the end of the 15th over, after missing a straight one from Hasaranga that pinged against his off-stump.

Hasaranga returned for the end of his allocation in the 18th over and got rid of captain Bavuma after he was caught on the cow corner boundary by Pathum Nissanka.

He made three is as many deliveries and appeared to lay the platform for victory after Pretorius attempted to heave the ball down the ground, but could only pick out Mahninda Rajapaksa.

Hasaranga is the second player to collect a hat-trick in this World Cup after Curtis Campher grabbed four in as many deliveries against Netherlands in the preliminary stage.

Prior to the Irishman’s haul, Australia’s Brett Lee had taken the only other hat-trick at the T20I showcase.

The 24-year-old almost mirrored Campher’s effort after striking Kagiso Rabada on the pad, but DRS adjudged the ball had pitched outside leg-stump.

The heroics were in vain, however, as Rabada and David Miller helped The Proteas over the line by four wickets with a ball to spare in a dramatic contest.

-Agencies