In a thrilling encounter, Saqib Mahmood created history by becoming the first English player to bowl a triple-wicket maiden in T20 Internationals, a feat never before achieved against India. Mahmood’s deadly spell came in just the second over of the match, making it the joint-earliest triple-wicket maiden in T20Is alongside Jerome Taylor’s performance against South Africa in 2007.
A Devastating Spell for India
Coming in as a replacement for Mark Wood, Mahmood struck right from the start. The sequence began with Sanju Samson, who mistimed a pull shot and was caught at deep square leg by Brydon Carse. This was Samson’s fourth dismissal to short balls in the series, showcasing England’s tactical planning.
Next, Tilak Varma stepped up but lasted just one ball. He charged down the wicket, only to edge the ball toward third man, where Jofra Archer made no mistake. With two wickets in two balls, Mahmood was on a hat-trick.
The pressure was immense as Suryakumar Yadav entered, but Mahmood held his nerve. A full-length delivery forced Yadav to attempt a whip shot, but Carse once again proved reliable, completing the catch at short mid-on. The crowd was left stunned as Mahmood celebrated the rare feat of a triple-wicket maiden.
Jos Buttler’s Game Plan Pays Off
England’s captain Jos Buttler’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends. Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Buttler stated, “We knew this was a crucial match, and Mahmood coming in for Wood provided exactly the spark we needed. His performance lifted the team’s morale, and the early breakthroughs were key.”
The intensity of Mahmood’s spell emphasized England’s disciplined bowling attack and tactical brilliance, especially in neutralizing India’s top-order threat early.
What is a Triple-Wicket Maiden?
A triple-wicket maiden is a rare and exciting event in cricket, where a bowler takes three wickets in an over without conceding any runs. Mahmood’s hat-trick also involved taking three consecutive wickets, adding to the drama of the moment.
Born in 1997, Mahmood has steadily risen through England’s cricketing ranks, making his T20 debut in 2019 and his Test debut in 2022. His ability to deliver under pressure was on full display during this match, further cementing his role as a key asset for England in white-ball cricket.
As the game progresses, India faces a steep challenge to recover after Mahmood’s sensational over. For now, this moment stands out as a defining highlight of the series.
