How Many Wickets Constitute a Double Hat-Trick? Full Guide
Understanding rare cricket feats has always fascinated fans, and how many wickets constitute a double hat-trick? is one of the most commonly asked questions—especially by new fans who hear commentators shouting “FOUR IN FOUR!” and wonder what it truly means. In this complete guide, we break down everything about the double hat-trick: what it is, how many wickets it requires, how it differs from a regular hat-trick, which dismissals count, rare historical cases, famous bowlers who achieved it, and why this feat remains one of cricket’s most exceptional accomplishments.
This article is written in an easy, human-like tone while naturally integrating all important keywords such as 4 wickets in 4 balls, four-in-four, what is a double hat-trick, hat-trick vs double hat-trick, rare bowling feat, and more.
What Makes a Double Hat-Trick So Special?
A double hat-trick, also commonly referred to as 4 wickets in 4 balls, is one of the rarest accomplishments in cricket. Unlike a standard hat-trick—where a bowler dismisses three batters in three consecutive legal deliveries—a double hat-trick requires four consecutive legal deliveries and four wickets, all taken by the same bowler.
In the world of cricket, this moment is electrifying. The field closes in, the crowd holds its breath, and the incoming batter faces pressure unlike anything else. The momentum of a match can change in just four balls, making this feat both spectacular and historic.
Before diving deeper, let’s start with the simplest and most accurate definition.
What Exactly Is a Double Hat-Trick?
A double hat-trick occurs when a bowler dismisses four batters in four consecutive legal balls. The dismissals must meet three strict conditions:
- All four wickets must fall on consecutive legal deliveries.
- All must be credited to the same bowler.
- All dismissals must be valid bowler-attributed dismissals (such as LBW, bowled, caught, stumped, hit-wicket).
This definition is widely accepted across modern cricket commentary, sports media, and statistical communities.
Hat-Trick vs Double Hat-Trick: The Key Difference
To fully understand a double hat-trick, let’s compare it with a standard hat-trick.
| Feat | Wickets Required | Delivery Requirement | Bowler Attribution | Common Occurrence? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hat-Trick | 3 wickets | 3 consecutive legal balls | Yes | Rare |
| Double Hat-Trick | 4 wickets | 4 consecutive legal balls | Yes | Extremely Rare |
| Hypothetical “Six-in-Six” | 6 wickets | 6 consecutive legal balls | Yes | Unheard Of in Major Cricket |
A simple way to remember:
Hat-Trick = 3 in 3. Double Hat-Trick = 4 in 4.
Some purists argue that “double hat-trick” should mean six wickets in six balls, but the mainstream interpretation—used worldwide—is four wickets in four balls.
Why ‘Double’ Doesn’t Mean Six Wickets
People often assume that “double” means two hat-tricks, which would be six wickets. However, cricket terminology doesn’t follow that logic here. The term originated naturally through commentary and fan usage—similar to how terms like “super over,” “carrom ball,” or “reverse swing” emerged organically rather than through formal rulebooks.
IMPORTANT: A double hat-trick is NOT an official MCC-defined term. It exists in commentary, media, record books, and fan culture—but not as a law of cricket.
Which Dismissals Count (And Don’t Count)?
Understanding which wickets count is essential. Here’s a simple breakdown.
Dismissals That Count
Any dismissal credited to the bowler qualifies:
- Bowled
- Caught
- LBW
- Stumped
- Hit-Wicket
- Caught & Bowled
- Handled the Ball (historic law when credited to bowler)
Dismissals That Do NOT Count
These break the sequence:
- Run-out
- Mankading/Run-out at non-striker’s end
- Obstructing the field (non-bowler)
- Retired out
- Timed out
- Hit the ball twice
Also Important: A no-ball or wide ball resets the chain and stops the double hat-trick sequence because these are not legal deliveries.
Can a Double Hat-Trick Span Overs or Innings?
This is one of the most confusing areas for fans. Here’s the clarified rule.
Across Overs? YES.
A bowler may take:
- One wicket on ball 6 of an over
- Then three more on balls 1, 2, and 3 of the next over
That still counts as four consecutive legal deliveries.
Across Innings? NO (In Most Accepted Interpretations).
Although some early interpretations suggested a bowler could spread deliveries across innings, modern record-keepers treat innings changes as a reset.
Why Is a Double Hat-Tricks So Rare?
A double hat-trick is extremely rare because:
- Batters prepare better after a wicket falls.
- Pressure increases with every dismissal.
- Teams often send defensive batters in after consecutive wickets.
- Fielding captains set attacking fields, reducing easy wicket options.
- Psychological tension affects both sides.
Statistically, the odds of preparing four perfect wicket-taking balls in a row are incredibly low, especially at elite levels.
Famous Double Hat-Tricks in International Cricket
While there have been many hat-tricks in cricket history, double hat-tricks are extremely rare, with only a handful of confirmed international cases.
Below is a table of verified 4-in-4 sequences:
| Bowler | Team | Opponent | Format | Year | Wicket Sequence Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | South Africa | ODI | 2007 | Bowled, Bowled, LBW, Bowled |
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | New Zealand | T20I | 2019 | LBW, Bowled, LBW, Bowled |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | Ireland | T20I | 2019 | LBW, Caught, Bowled, LBW |
| Curtis Campher | Ireland | Netherlands | T20 World Cup | 2021 | LBW, Bowled, Caught, Bowled |
| Jason Holder | West Indies | England | T20I | 2022 | Caught, Bowled, Caught, Caught |
Each of these spells became viral moments in cricket history due to their impact on the game.
Historic Double Hat-Tricks in First-Class Cricket
The earliest documented four-wicket sequence in first-class cricket dates back to 1862, when Joseph Wells dismissed four Sussex batters in four balls. These feats were often poorly recorded before modern scoring systems, but several examples exist across county and domestic cricket.
Case Study: Lasith Malinga’s 2007 ODI Double Hat-Tricks
One of the most famous cricket moments ever is Malinga’s four-in-four against South Africa during the 2007 World Cup.
Why It Was Unforgettable
- Came during a World Cup match
- Delivered at high pace and perfect yorkers
- Nearly won Sri Lanka the game single-handedly
- Introduced “the deadly sling action” to global fame
Quote from a commentator at that moment:
“This is extraordinary! Four wickets in four balls! Malinga has ripped the heart out of South Africa!”
His 2019 T20I double hat-trick further cemented him as the only bowler with two international double hat-tricks.
Format-Based Breakdown: Where Do Double Hat-Tricks Occur Most Often?
T20 Cricket
Highest likelihood due to:
- Aggressive batting
- Higher risk shots
- Shorter format pressure
ODI Cricket
Moderate likelihood:
- Middle overs unpredictability
- Tail-ender vulnerability
Test Cricket
Lowest likelihood:
- Batter patience
- Defensive mindsets
- Lower chances of consecutive high-risk shots
As of today, no Test bowler has achieved a documented double hat-trick.
Rare Feat: Five Wickets in Five Balls
Only a few bowlers in cricket history have achieved five wickets in five balls, a feat even rarer than the double hat-trick.
Though rare, it has occurred in:
- Domestic cricket
- First-class cricket
- Lower-level tournaments
No bowler has ever taken six wickets in six balls in major senior cricket.
Technical Breakdown: How Bowlers Achieve 4-in-4
Bowlers who accomplish double hat-tricks often rely on:
- Accurate yorkers
- Sharp inswingers/outtswingers
- Sudden pace variations
- Deadly slower balls
- Exact stump-to-stump targeting
Psychological Factors
- Bowlers enter a “hot zone” of confidence.
- Batters often panic after back-to-back wickets.
- Captains set hyper-aggressive fields.
The combination of precision, pressure, and opportunity creates the perfect storm.
Can a Double Hat-Trick Be Created by DRS Decisions?
Yes—if all four dismissals remain valid after reviews, the double hat-tricks stays intact.
If a dismissal is overturned:
- The chain breaks
- The sequence resets
- The bowler cannot regain earlier wickets in the chain
This adds pressure to every lbw appeal during the sequence.
READ MORE >>> Who Saved Rohit Sharma Career? Full Story of His Cricket Revival
Will ICC Ever Officially Define “Double Hat-Trick”?
There is increasing debate in the cricket community about making the term official to:
- Clear discrepancies
- Align recordkeeping
- Standardize commentary
- Create clearer historical documentation
However, ICC is yet to introduce a formal definition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wickets are needed for a double hat-trick?
Four wickets, taken in four consecutive legal balls by the same bowler.
Can run-outs count?
No. Run-outs are not credited to the bowler.
Can it span two overs?
Yes.
Can it span two innings?
Generally, no in modern interpretations.
Has anyone taken 6 wickets in 6 balls?
Not in mainstream international or top-level domestic cricket.
Why is the double hat tricks so rare?
Because bowlers must deliver four wicket-taking balls in perfect sequence under immense pressure.
Conclusion: Why the Double Hat-Trick Remains a Legendary Feat
The double hat-trick—four wickets in four balls—is a cricketing milestone that only a handful of legends have ever achieved. Whether it’s Malinga’s deadly yorkers, Rashid Khan’s spinning brilliance, or Jason Holder’s tactical mastery, double hat-tricks remain unforgettable moments that change matches and live forever in cricket folklore.
Understanding how many wickets constitute a double hat-trick not only enriches your knowledge of cricket but also deepens your appreciation for the skill, precision, and drama that defines this beautiful sport.
If you ever witness a double hat-trick live, remember one thing:
You’re watching one of the rarest and most extraordinary feats in cricket.