How Many Wickets Constitute a Double Hat-Trick in Cricket? (4 or 6 Explained)

A double hat-trick in cricket means 4 wickets in 4 consecutive legal deliveries by the same bowler. Despite the name, it does not mean 6 wickets. The term is widely used but not officially defined in cricket laws.

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What Is a Hat-Trick in Cricket?

A hat-trick in cricket occurs when a bowler takes three wickets in three consecutive balls. It is one of the most celebrated achievements in the sport because it shows consistency, control, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Interestingly, a hat-trick doesn’t have to happen in a single over. It can span across overs as long as:

• The deliveries are consecutive
• The same bowler delivers all balls

Key Facts About Hat-Tricks

• First recorded hat-trick: Fred Spofforth (1879)
• Common in all formats: Tests, ODIs, T20s
• Famous Indian examples: Chetan Sharma (1987 World Cup), Jasprit Bumrah (Test cricket)

For Indian fans, hat-tricks are often unforgettable IPL moments where a match suddenly shifts in just a few balls.

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What Is a Double Hat-Trick?

A double hat-trick in cricket is when a bowler takes:

• 4 wickets
• In 4 consecutive legal deliveries
• All credited to the same bowler

This is essentially an extension of a hat-trick. Instead of stopping at three wickets, the bowler continues the streak for one more delivery.

Important Clarification

Many people assume:

• “Double hat-trick” = 6 wickets ❌
• Actual meaning = 4 wickets ✔

This confusion comes from the word “double,” but in cricket terminology, it simply means going one step further, not doubling the number. Also check out: In Which Country Was the Googly Invented? Origin, History & Complete Cricket Guide

Hat-Trick vs Double Hat-Trick: Key Difference

Key Insight

The jump from 3 wickets to 4 may seem small, but in cricket, it’s massive. Each additional wicket increases the difficulty exponentially.

Simple Ball-by-Ball Example of a Double Hat-Trick

Understanding this visually makes everything clearer.

Regular Hat-Trick (3 in 3)

• Ball 1 → Bowled
• Ball 2 → LBW
• Ball 3 → Caught

Result: Hat-trick

Double Hat-Trick (4 in 4 / 6 in 6 Debate)

• Ball 1 → Bowled
• Ball 2 → Caught
• Ball 3 → LBW
• Ball 4 → Bowled

Result: Double hat-trick

6 in 6 Debate

• 6 wickets in 6 balls is sometimes called a “perfect over.”
• It is not officially termed a double hat-trick

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Official Rules and Technical Conditions of a Double Hat-Trick

What Counts as a Legal Delivery

Only valid deliveries count toward a double hat-trick:

Valid deliveries:

• Standard legal balls

Invalid deliveries:

• No-balls
• Wides

If an invalid delivery occurs, the sequence breaks.

Types of Dismissals That Count

Only dismissals credited to the bowler count:

• Bowled
• LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
• Caught
• Stumped
• Hit wicket

Can It Span Overs or Innings?

Example:

• Over 1 → Last 2 balls = wickets
• Over 2 → First 2 balls = wickets
  ✔ Still a double hat-trick

Common Misconceptions About Double Hat-Tricks

Myth 1: A Double Hat-Trick Means Six Wickets

• ❌ Incorrect
• ✔ Correct: 4 wickets in 4 balls

Myth 2: Run-Outs Count

• ❌ Incorrect
• ✔ Only bowler-attributed wickets count

Myth 3: It Must Happen in One Over

• ❌ Incorrect
• ✔ Can span overs

Myth 4: It Is an Official ICC Category

• ❌ Incorrect
• ✔ Not defined in MCC laws, but widely used

Most Notable Players with Double Hat-Tricks (4 in 4 Balls)

Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

• Match: 2007 ODI World Cup vs South Africa
• Famous for yorkers
• Nearly turned the match single-handedly

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

• First T20I double hat-trick (2019)
• Known for variations and control

Curtis Campher (Ireland)

• T20 World Cup 2021
• Took 4 wickets in 4 balls under pressure

Jason Holder (West Indies)

• T20I vs England (2022)
• Achieved in the final over, a match-winning performance

Other Notable and Associate-Level Examples

Waseem Yaqoob (Lesotho)

• ICC qualifiers
• Demonstrates the growth of cricket in associate nations

Hernan Fennell (Argentina)

• T20I achievement (2024)
• Shows the global expansion of cricket talent

Format-Wise Breakdown of Double Hat-Tricks

Test Cricket

• Extremely rare
• Defensive batting reduces chances

One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Moderate possibility
• Malinga’s 2007 example

T20 and T20I Cricket

• Highest probability
• Aggressive batting increases wickets

Key Insight for Indian Fans

• IPL is the most likely place for a future double hat-trick

Ball-by-Ball Analysis of Famous Double Hat-Tricks

Lasith Malinga vs South Africa, 2007 ODI

• Bowled → Bowled → Caught → Bowled
• Reduced a strong batting lineup instantly

Rashid Khan vs Ireland, 2019 T20I

• LBW → Bowled → Bowled → LBW
• Showcased variation mastery

Curtis Campher vs Netherlands, 2021 T20 World Cup

• LBW → Caught → Bowled → LBW
• Changed the match momentum

Full List of International Double Hat-Trick Instances

Also Read: Cricket Equipment Name List with Images – A Complete Guide

Notable Domestic and Franchise Examples

IPL (Indian Premier League)

• No confirmed double hat-trick yet
• Several near misses

BBL (Big Bash League)

• Close streaks observed
• High-scoring format

PSL (Pakistan Super League)

• Similar patterns to IPL
• Frequent wicket clusters

Domestic and Club Cricket

• More frequent due to skill gaps
• Common in gully cricket (India)

How Rare Is a Double Hat-Trick in Cricket?

Historical Frequency

• Only a handful globally
• Far rarer than hat-tricks

Factors Affecting Chances

• Pitch conditions
• Bowling skill
• Batter pressure
• Match situation

Why a Double Hat-Trick Is So Difficult

A double hat-trick requires:

• Perfect execution across four deliveries
• Facing new batters, each ball
• Maintaining focus under pressure

Even world-class bowlers struggle to achieve this consistently.

Related Rare Bowling Feats in Cricket

Why Fans Love Double Hat-Tricks

• Sudden match turnarounds
• High drama
• Memorable moments
• Viral IPL-style excitement

In India, such moments quickly trend on social media and become part of cricket folklore.

Conclusion: How Many Wickets Constitute a Double Hat-Trick?

To sum it up clearly:

A double hat-trick in cricket consists of 4 wickets in 4 consecutive legal deliveries.

While the term may sound confusing, its meaning is straightforward once understood. It remains one of the rarest and most exciting achievements in cricket, combining skill, pressure, and perfect timing.

And for Indian fans, whether in IPL or gully cricket, the day we see one live will be unforgettable.

FAQs About Double Hat-Tricks in Cricket