Lasith Malinga - Purple Cap Winner (2011)

Lore & Background

Malinga grew up in Rathgama, a coastal village near Galle, and played cricket on sand banks and coconut groves. He was discovered by former Sri Lankan paceman Champaka Ramanayake, who helped him join Mahinda College, Galle. Malinga is the only bowler to have two World Cup hat-tricks, the first to take a double hat-trick, and the only to take 4 wickets in 4 balls twice in international cricket. He is tied for the most hat-tricks in international cricket.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over the Wankhede Stadium as the final over approached. Malinga tucked his shirt, eyes locked on the stumps at the other end. He ran in with a short, explosive stride, releasing the ball just before reaching the crease. The batsman swung wildly at a perfect yorker, the bat missing the leather entirely. The crowd erupted as the bails flew off, another wicket for the man they called Boom Boom.

Reader's Guide

Malinga was commonly used as a specialist death bowler, known for his dipping slower ball yorkers and ability to take wickets on consecutive balls. He changed the dynamics of death bowling in limited overs cricket. His unorthodox sling action and in-swinging yorkers were key to his success.

Did You Know?

• Malinga is the only bowler in the world to have two World Cup hat-tricks.
• He is the first bowler to take a double hat-trick in international cricket.
• He is the only bowler to take 4 wickets in 4 balls twice in international cricket.
• He is tied for the most hat-tricks in international cricket.