On This Day In 2007: Lasith Malinga's 4 Wickets In 4 Balls Stuns South Africa
On March 28, 2007, Lasith Malinga made history by taking four wickets in four consecutive balls during the ODI World Cup, nearly defeating South Africa.
On This Day In 2007: Sri Lanka’s legendary pacer Lasith Malinga scripted history during the 2007 ODI World Cup by securing an exclusive feat. Cricket has witnessed several great bowlers in its centuries-old history, however, very few were as special as the Sri Lankan speedster.
Exactly 18 years ago, Malinga shocked the world by becoming the first player in international cricket to take four wickets in four consecutive balls. His jaw-dropping spell nearly wrecked South Africa who somehow escaped with a one-wicket victory. Malinga’s rare achievement in Guyana shows why he was one of the most feared fast bowlers in his prime and an all-time cricketing great.
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15th anniversary of the day that defined my cricketing career🙌Taking 4 wickets in 4 deliveries against SA in ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and nearly taking my team home😇Head over to YouTube and relive the moment with me👇❤️https://t.co/58VurDI0Du
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) March 28, 2022
Sri Lanka batted first at the Providence Stadium on March 28, 2007. While the Asian side’s top order failed to make a significant impact, the duo of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Russel Arnold stepped up with half-centuries.
They helped the 1996 World Champions put up a 209 total. During the chase, South Africa skipper Graeme Smith and star all-rounder Jacques Kallis stepped up with crucial knocks. They looked to be in pole position to win the match but Lasith Malinga wasn’t letting them have the victory that easily.
4️⃣ in 4️⃣ v SA, 2007 (ODI)4️⃣ in 4️⃣ v NZ, 2019 (T20I)Lasith Malinga is the only bowler to have taken four wickets in four balls twice!
On his birthday, relive his spell against South Africa at the 2007 @CricketWorldCup 📹 pic.twitter.com/ofPAI9YjPM
— ICC (@ICC) August 28, 2020
South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock was the first of Lasith Malinga’s victims. The legendary Proteas cricketer was caught behind by Kumar Sangakkara in the penultimate ball of the 45th over.
While his dismissal was significant, Pollock’s departure was merely a prelude to the drama that unfolded. The next delivery saw Andrew Hall edge the ball straight into the hands of Mahela Jayawardene at slip.
Tensions escalated further when Jacques Kallis fell in the opening ball of the 47th over. He was caught, once again, by Jayawardene.
As the pressure kept mounting, Lasith Malinga prepared to bowl to Makhaya Ntini. The atmosphere was electric as the Sri Lanka pacer delivered a yorker straight into the stumps. Ntini’s dismissal saw the stadium explode with jubilation as Sri Lankan fans enjoyed the magical moment. Despite Malinga’s best efforts, South Africa escaped with a victory.
The impact of his spell, however, extended beyond the result. The four-wicket haul served as a major psychological blow to the Proteas. Moreover, the spell also cemented Malinga’s legacy as an efficient death bowler.
Nearly 12 years after registering the exclusive feat, Lasith Malinga produced another four-in-four moment in 2019. He dismissed Colin Munro, Hamish Rutherford, Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor to remind the world of his unmatchable bowling prowess.
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