COLOMBO: Pakistan’s Saim Ayub came agonisingly close to a memorable hat-trick during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India on February 15, only for a review to deny him the historic feat at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
The drama unfolded in the 15th over of India’s innings when Ayub dismissed Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya in successive deliveries to ignite Pakistan’s charge.
At 14.3 overs, Ayub trapped Tilak Varma (25) lbw after the left-hander missed a slog sweep. On the very next ball, Hardik Pandya departed for a first-ball duck, mistiming an attempted big hit that was safely pouched by Babar Azam at mid-off.
With the hat-trick ball at 14.5 overs, the stadium buzzed in anticipation as Shivam Dube faced Ayub. The Pakistan spinner delivered a sharp carrom ball that spun away from the bat, beating Dube and triggering loud appeals for a catch behind and lbw.
Replays showed no edge and confirmed the ball had missed the stumps, leaving Ayub inches away from a hat-trick.
Despite missing out on the milestone, Ayub completed a highly effective spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 25 and providing Pakistan with a crucial breakthrough phase in the middle overs.
