Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong scripts history, becomes third female cricketer to pick four wickets in four balls in T20Is

Thailand Women's cricket team celebrated a historic moment as left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong achieved a remarkable feat during a T20 International match against the Netherlands in Utrecht on Friday. Putthawong became only the seventh cricketer, across both men's and women's cricket, to take four wickets in four balls.

The stunning sequence of dismissals occurred in the 18th over of the match when Putthawong claimed the scalps of Phebe Molkenboer, Mikkie Zwilling, Hannah Landheer, and Caroline de Lange off consecutive deliveries. Her exceptional bowling performance didn't end there as she finished with impressive figures of 5/8 in just 3.5 overs. As a result, the Netherlands were dismissed for a mere 75 runs.

Thailand's batting line-up displayed equal prowess as they comfortably chased down the target in just 13.3 overs and secured their second victory of the T20I Tri-Series, which also features Scotland Women.

Putthawong's achievement adds her name to an exclusive list of cricketers who have accomplished the four-in-four feat. She joins Anuradha Doddaballapur of Germany (against Austria in 2020) and Shameela Mosweu of Botswana (against Mozambique in 2021) as she becomes only the third female cricketer to achieve this remarkable milestone.

4️⃣ wickets in 4️⃣ balls! Thipatcha Putthawong, take a bow🙇

The young sensation picks up five wickets propelling Thailand to victory against the Netherlands.#EuropeanCricket #StrongerTogether #Hattrick #Thailand #Netherlands pic.twitter.com/dwoS6GcfB1

— European Cricket (@EuropeanCricket) July 14, 2023

Previously, the 19-year-old came into limelight when she received the ICC Women's Player of the Month award in May 2023 in recognition of her significant contribution to Thailand's victory for the gold medal at the South East Asian Games in Cambodia.

While Putthawong has made history on the women's front, the rare four-in-four feat has also been accomplished by a few in men's cricket. Rashid Khan, Lasith Malinga, Curtis Campher, and Jason Holder are the notable male cricketers who have achieved this remarkable milestone in the past.

Thipatcha Putthawong's exceptional performance has not only brought individual recognition but has also showcased the growing talent and skill within the Thailand Women's cricket team. With her consistent performances and remarkable achievements, she is proving to be a rising star in the world of cricket.