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[Watch] When Lasith Malinga Scalped 4 Wickets in 4 Balls Against SA in World Cup

image-llui4u2xMalinga was one of the deadliest pacers for Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket (X.com)

Hailed as Sri Lanka’s most successful fast bowler in limited-overs cricket, Lasith Malinga turns 40 on Monday (August 28). The right-arm quick's peculiar and unusual bowling motion stunned everyone when he first appeared. However, it was entirely legal under the law, and he continued to pick up wickets over the years before quitting all forms of cricket in March 2020.

Malinga had an extraordinary record in ODI World Cups. The Sri Lankan took 56 wickets at an average of 22.87 in 28 games, with an economy rate of 5.51. Four of them came in four successive balls, and he accomplished the remarkable feat against South Africa in the 2007 ODI World Cup.

South Africa were in command against Sri Lanka, batting at 206/5 and attempting to chase down 210. Then Malinga arrived and rattled Shaun Pollock and Andrew Hall in quick succession to end the 45th over. He then struck twice more in the first two deliveries of the following over, this time taking out Jacques Kallis and Makhaya Ntini.


Lasith Malinga Takes Four Wickets in Four Balls in ODI World Cup 2007


However, Malinga's valiant efforts were in vain as South Africa eventually got the job done with one wicket to spare.

Malinga’s Asia Cup (in ODIs) records were quite ecstatic as well. He had a total of 29 wickets in 14 games over the years in the competition, with an average reading of 20.55.

The Asia Cup 2023 is about to get underway, with Pakistan taking on Nepal to begin the proceedings. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have not yet announced their squad.