Former India pacer Chetan Sharma was the first-ever bowler to claim a hat-trick in the history of the World Cup. He achieved the monumental feat in the 1987 edition of the global showpiece. In a group-league game against New Zealand, Sharma got the better of Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith and Ewen Chatfield in three consecutive deliveries. The historic match was played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur 37 years back on this day (October 31).
Before the game, India had already secured their spot in the semi-finals while New Zealand were knocked out of the tournament. The Black Caps, however, were keen to win the last group fixture and wrap up the World Cup campaign on a positive note. The visiting captain, Jeff Crowe, won the toss in Nagpur and elected to bat first.
#OnThisDay in 1987, India fast bowler Chetan Sharma bowled New Zealand’s Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith and Ewen Chatfield to claim the first-ever Men’s Cricket World Cup hat-trick! pic.twitter.com/PKvY6hRPek— ICC (@ICC) October 31, 2019
New Zealand were unable to make a desired start. They had lost four wickets at the score of just 122. Dipak Patel and Ken Rutherford then stitched a crucial 59-run stand to revive the innings. Ravi Shastri finally broke the partnership by dismissing Patel who contributed 40 runs to the scoresheet.
Chetan Sharma ripped through the New Zealand lower order in the 42nd over. Ken Rutherford who was batting at 26 was clean-bowled by the Indian fast bowler. Ian Smith came in next and returned to the pavilion with a golden duck. Ewen Chatfield was also dismissed on his first delivery.
Thanks to some gritty efforts by Willie Watson and Martin Snedden, New Zealand posted 221 runs, losing nine wickets in 50 overs. Chetan Sharma was the best bowler for India. He conceded 51 runs in ten overs while taking three wickets.
India were not troubled much during the chase. Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Sunil Gavaskar built the foundation with a 136-run partnership. Srikkant struck a quickfire 75 off 58 balls while Gavaskar contributed with a belligerent century.
After the dismissal of his opening partner, Gavaskar joined hands with Mohammad Azharuddin. The duo remained unbeaten till the end as India won the match by nine wickets with 107 balls remaining.
Gavaskar might have been named the Player of the Match for his 103-run knock but Chetan Sharma also deserved much credit for his impactful bowling.
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