Trip down memory lane: Pakistani cricketers’ love affair with hat-tricks

Taking a hat-trick is one of the greatest joys for any bowler in the world of cricket, but the Pakistani bowlers have been fortunate enough to be blessed with this rare feat on more than one occasion.

The list is growing for Pakistan, the latest being Faheem Ashraf who successfully joined the club of Pakistani cricket legends and making the country and fans proud. Here is a reminder for all cricket lovers with a list of Pakistani cricket legends who have taken hat-tricks in the limited overs cricket and have made us proud:

Jalal ud Din

The right arm fast bowler from Karachi holds the distinction of achieving the first ever hat-trick in limited overs cricket. Jalal achieved this feat against Australia in 1982, where he claimed Rod Marsh, Bruce Yardley and Geoff Lawson in perfect succession.

Wasim Akram

Arguably the greatest fast bowler of all times, Akram is the only bowler to achieve hat-tricks twice in both ODIs and Test cricket.

Akram's first hat-trick in limited overs came against the West Indies at Sharjah Stadium in 1989, where claimed scalps of Jeff Dujon, Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose.

The bowler's second encounter with the rare feat was against Australia in 1990 at Sharjah, where he picked up the wickets of Merv Hughes, Carl Rackemann and Terry Alderman.

Aaqib Javed

This Sheikupura born cricketer is most famously remembered for his performance at the finals of 1992 World Cup.

The former coach of Pakistan is also known for his famous hat-trick against arch rivals India at the famous Sharjah Stadium in 1991, where he lbw Ravi Shastri, Mohammad Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar on consecutive deliveries.

Waqar Younis

Another great from Pakistan to join the hat-trick party is Younis. The master of yorkers toppled the New Zelanders in 1994, when he bowled Chris Harris, Chris Pringle and Richard de Groen consecutively.

Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain Mushtaq is one of the rare spinner to sit in the list mostly dominated by fast bowlers, and he achieved the feat not once but twice, both coming against Zimbabwe.

Mohammad Sami

Following the foot steps of legendry Wasim Akram, Sami shares the unique record of achieving hat-tricks in both ODI and Test cricket. In limited overs, the feat came against the West Indies at Sharjah in 2002, where he claimed Ridley Jacobs, Corey Collymore and Cameron Cuffy on consecutive deliveries.

Faheem Ashraf

1st ever t20 hat-trick by a Pakistani 🏏🇵🇰
Faheem Ashraf you beauty 💚 pic.twitter.com/bLQJ2sICPl

— Changaiz Ahmed (@changaiz_ahmed) October 27, 2017

Faheem Ashraf was the latest to join the hat-trick club, becoming the first Pakistani to score a hat-trick in T20 cricket.

Ashraf achieved the rare feat against Sri Lanka, when he came on to bowl in the 19th over of the innings last night (Friday) at Dubai Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Faheem picked up Isuru Udana, Mahela Udawatte and Dasun Shanaka (lbw), helping Pakistan to achieve an unassailable 2-0 victory in the T20 series.