[Video] Lasith Slinga Malinga| 4 Wickets in 4 Balls | World Cup Hat-trick

Sri Lanka’s stirring fightback against South Africa , inspired by Lasith Malinga’s swinging yorkers and hostile pace which had ... all » the batsmen flummoxed and afraid — will long stand the test of memory. It was a terrific (batsmen facing him might call it terrifying) spell by one of the more unusual bowlers in the history of the game.

Like Jeff Thomson, Malinga too has a sling-shot action, but unlike Thomson, Malinga delivers the ball from shoulder height, making it difficult for the batsmen to follow the flight. He also bowls at around 150 kmph, and can get the ball to rear up from just short of a length, which makes him that much more unpredictable and dangerous.

Malinga’s four wickets in four balls brought his side to the brink of an improbable victory. Had his batsmen scored five — even two — runs more, there might have been a different result. South Africa eked out a narrow, tense victory, but Sri Lanka won all the hearts.

It’s not just because they have a fine all-round team, and a bowler who has the potential to be a big influence on the game, more because they have shown a never-say-die-spirit.

Who says there can be no glory in defeat?

Courtesy Cricinfo