Two unique bowlers made the first international at the Providence Stadium ultimately unforgettable. A timely two wickets in two balls by Muttiah Muralitharan, followed by a sensational four wickets in four balls by Lasith Malinga, the first four in four in international cricket, conjured a thrilling finish out of what had seemed like a comfortable South Africa victory.
With five overs remaining, they needed only five to win with five wickets in hand. Jacques Kallis was apparently easing them to victory after a cool, classy innings but Malinga then bowled Shaun Pollock with a slower ball of full length. Andrew Hall miscued his first ball to extra cover, whereupon Kallis was caught behind, driving at an outswinger off the first ball of the 47th over. It gave the shock-haired slinger who has added such crucial potency to Sri Lanka fast bowling a maiden international hat-trick. South Africa still needed three runs to overhaul Sri lanka modest 209 and Makhaya Ntini was bowled first ball amid wild excitement
With five overs remaining, they needed only five to win with five wickets in hand. Jacques Kallis was apparently easing them to victory after a cool, classy innings but Malinga then bowled Shaun Pollock with a slower ball of full length. Andrew Hall miscued his first ball to extra cover, whereupon Kallis was caught behind, driving at an outswinger off the first ball of the 47th over. It gave the shock-haired slinger who has added such crucial potency to Sri Lanka fast bowling a maiden international hat-trick. South Africa still needed three runs to overhaul Sri lanka modest 209 and Makhaya Ntini was bowled first ball amid wild excitement
