Afghanistan and Gujarat Titans (GT) spinner Rashid Khan etched his name in the record books as he claimed the first hat-trick of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 on Sunday. The Afghan T20 superstar achieved this historic feat in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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Rashid’s hat-trick came at a crucial time for GT, with KKR requiring 50 runs in the final four overs. The spinner struck gold in the 17th over, removing dangerman Andre Russell (1), Sunil Narine (0), and Shardul Thakur (0) on the first three balls, effectively shifting the momentum in GT’s favor. This sensational performance reduced KKR from 155/4 to 155/7 in a matter of minutes.
Rashid Khan’s hat-trick is the 22nd in the history of the IPL and makes him the first-ever Afghanistan player to achieve this milestone. He is now the 18th bowler to claim a hat-trick in the league’s history. The first-ever IPL hat-trick was taken by Lakshmipati Balaji for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Punjab Kings (PBKS, then known as Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural season.
Despite the match’s eventual outcome, Rashid Khan’s historic hat-trick stands as a testament to his incredible skill and talent as a spinner. With this performance, he has undoubtedly strengthened his reputation as one of the world’s premier T20 bowlers.
Rashid Khan has consistently proven his match-winning abilities in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since his debut in 2017. The Afghan spinner has delivered multiple game-changing performances throughout his IPL career. Here’s a brief look at some of his most memorable moments:
Rashid Khan Debut – SRH vs GL, IPL 2017
In his debut season, Rashid Khan made an immediate impact, taking 3/19 against Gujarat Lions (GL). He dismissed Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch, and Suresh Raina, three of the most explosive batsmen in the tournament, helping Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secure a comfortable win.
Rashid Khan All-round Performance – SRH vs KXIP, IPL 2018
Rashid showcased his all-round prowess in the second qualifier against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). He scored a quickfire 34 off just 10 balls and followed it up with an exceptional bowling performance, taking 3/19. His efforts single-handedly guided SRH to the final.
Rashid Khan Bowling prowess – SRH vs DC, IPL 2019
In a crucial match against Delhi Capitals (DC), Rashid displayed his bowling prowess by taking crucial wickets at the right moments. With figures of 3/14 in his four overs, he played a significant role in SRH’s victory, restricting DC to a modest total.
Vital Win for team – SRH vs KXIP, IPL 2020
Rashid shone once again in a match against Kings XI Punjab, claiming 3/12 in his four-over spell. His economical and incisive bowling helped SRH defend a low total of 201, ensuring a vital win for his team.
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