14 March 1999: When Wasim Akram took a Test hat-trick against Sri Lanka

[Brexiter]

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram picked up his second Test hat-trick on March 14, 1999. Akram, who had the mastery over swing and seam, and ability to move the ball both ways, achieved the feat in the Asian Test Championship Final against Sri Lanka in Dhaka.

During the second innings, Akram dismissed opener Avishka Gunawardene, night watchman Chaminda Vaas, and batter Mahela Jayawardene to complete his hat-trick.


Interestingly, Akram had also bagged a hat-trick in the same series on March 6 against the Lankans in Lahore.
Akram led his team to the Asian Test Championship title after Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 175 runs.

The then Pakistan captain finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker (15). The Sultan of Swing is only the third player to pick 2 hat-tricks in Tests after Hugh Trumble and Jimmy Matthews.

Overall, Akram is the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket for Pakistan. The pace-bowling legend has 414 wickets to his name in 104 Tests.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.