MaheeshTheekshana made history on January 8, 2025, by becoming the seventh Sri Lankan bowler to achieve a hat-trick in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the second ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton. Theekshana's remarkable feat occurred across two overs in a rain-affected match at Seddon Park, which was reduced to 37 overs per side due to delays.

Theekshana dismissed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, and Matt Henry to complete his hat-trick. He claimed two wickets in the final deliveries of the 35th over and returned to take Henry's wicket with the first ball of the 37th over. His final bowling figures were an impressive 4 wickets for 44 runs in 8 overs.DespiteTheekshana's efforts, New Zealand managed to post a total of 255 for 9. The innings was bolstered by significant contributions from Rachin Ravindra, who scored 79 runs off 63 balls, and Mark Chapman, who added 62 runs off 52 balls. Their partnership helped New Zealand recover from a shaky start, although they lost momentum towards the end of their innings.

Theekshana's hat-trick marks him as only the second spinner from Sri Lanka to achieve this milestone, following Wanindu Hasaranga in 2017. His achievement adds to the illustrious list of Sri Lankan bowlers who have taken ODI hat-tricks, including legends like Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga