Breaking Down Lasith Malinga’s Bowling Technique: How the Slinga Mastered Variation

4 Balls 4 Wickets Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga, also known as “Slinga Malinga,” is a legendary Sri Lankan cricketer who has left a lasting impact on the game with his unique bowling style. His famous “4 balls 4 wickets” performance is a testament to his skill and ability to change the game’s momentum in an instant.

In this article, we’ll delve into the story behind Malinga’s remarkable feat, examine his bowling technique, and discuss the legacy he has left on the game.

The Story Behind the “4 Balls 4 Wickets” Performance

Malinga’s “4 balls 4 wickets” performance occurred during the 2007 Cricket World Cup, in a Super 8 match against South Africa. Sri Lanka had set a target of 209, and South Africa was looking to chase it down and secure their place in the semifinals.

Malinga came on to bowl the 17th over, with South Africa needing just 37 runs from 24 balls with six wickets in hand. Malinga’s first ball was a full toss, which Herschelle Gibbs tried to hit over midwicket but only managed to find Chamara Silva at deep square leg.

The next ball was a yorker that completely bamboozled the incoming batsman, Shaun Pollock, and shattered his stumps. The third ball was another yorker, which clean bowled Andrew Hall. And to complete the hat-trick, Malinga’s fourth ball was a slower ball that deceived Johan van der Wath, who edged it to the wicketkeeper.

In the space of four balls, Malinga had taken four wickets and turned the game on its head. South Africa went from cruising towards victory to struggling to even make it to the end of their allotted overs.

The fifth ball of the over was a dot ball, and the sixth ball saw Malinga dismiss the last remaining batsman, Charl Langeveldt, to complete figures of 4-54 and secure a 20-run victory for Sri Lanka.

Malinga’s Bowling Technique

Malinga’s unique bowling action is one of the most recognizable in cricket. His slingy, round-arm delivery has been the source of countless wickets, and it’s what sets him apart from other bowlers.

Malinga’s action involves a low, slingy arm that releases the ball from an unusual angle. He generates tremendous pace and swing with his action, making him a formidable opponent for any batsman.

In addition to his unorthodox action, Malinga is also known for his wide array of deliveries. He can bowl devastating yorkers, slower balls, bouncers, and even an occasional full toss. His ability to vary his pace and trajectory keeps batsmen guessing and makes him a nightmare to face.

Lasith Malinga’s Legacy

Malinga’s “4 balls 4 wickets” performance is just one example of the impact he has had on cricket. He is the only bowler in international cricket to take four wickets in four consecutive deliveries twice, with the first instance coming in a match against New Zealand in 2019.

Over the course of his career, Malinga has taken over 500 wickets across all formats of the game, making him one of the most successful bowlers in Sri Lankan cricket history. He has also been a key member of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League, helping them win four titles.

Malinga’s influence on the game extends beyond his individual achievements. His unique bowling style has inspired countless young bowlers to experiment with their own actions and deliveries, and his ability to change the game in an instant has made him a fan favorite around the world.

Lasith Malinga’s “4 balls 4 wickets” performance is a testament to his skill and ability to change the game’s momentum with just a few deliveries. It’s a moment that will be remembered for years to come, and it’s just one example of the impact Malinga has had on the game of cricket.

Malinga’s success can be attributed to his unique bowling technique and his ability to vary his deliveries. His unorthodox action has made him a difficult bowler to face, and his wide array of deliveries keeps batsmen guessing. He’s been a key member of the Sri Lankan cricket team for over a decade, and his contributions have helped them achieve some of their greatest successes.

But Malinga’s influence extends beyond the Sri Lankan cricket team. He’s been a valuable asset to the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League, helping them secure four titles. And his unique bowling style has inspired countless young bowlers around the world to experiment with their own actions and deliveries.

Malinga’s legacy is one of skill, determination, and innovation. He’s shown that there’s no single “correct” way to bowl, and that success can come in many different forms. He’s inspired a generation of cricketers to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and he’s shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

In conclusion, Lasith Malinga’s “4 balls 4 wickets” performance is a shining example of his skill and ability to change the game with just a few deliveries. His unique bowling technique and wide array of deliveries have made him one of the most successful bowlers in Sri Lankan cricket history, and his influence on the game extends far beyond his individual achievements. Malinga has inspired countless young bowlers around the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers for years to come.