How Many Wickets Constitute a Double Hat-Trick? (The Rarest Feat in Cricket)

In cricket, everyone knows what a hat-trick is: 3 wickets in 3 balls. It is a moment of magic. But every once in a while, a bowler produces something even more miraculous: the Double Hat-Trick.

The name itself is confusing. Does “double” mean 6 wickets? Actually, no. The answer is 4 wickets.

Here is the breakdown of why it is called a “double” hat-trick and the legends who have actually done it.

The Math Behind the Name

A double hat-trick is 4 wickets in 4 consecutive deliveries.

It sounds strange to call 4 wickets a “double” hat-trick, but the logic is mathematical:

1. Ball 1, 2, 3: The bowler takes 3 wickets. (Hat-Trick #1 completed).
2. Ball 2, 3, 4: The bowler takes 3 wickets. (Hat-Trick #2 completed).

Because the middle wickets count towards both sets, the bowler is credited with two hat-tricks in a single spell.

Is It Rare?

Extremely. In the entire history of International Cricket (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined), thousands of hat-tricks have been taken, but a Double Hat-Trick has only happened 3 times.

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✨ The Hall of Fame: 4 Wickets in 4 Balls

Here are the only three bowlers in international history to achieve this miracle.

Summary

So, how many wickets for a double hat-trick? The answer is 4. It is the “Four-in-Four” club, and it remains the most exclusive club in international cricket.