Cricket World Player Of The Week - Lasith Malinga

Cricket World Player Of The Week - Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga took three wickets in three balls for the third time in his ODI career

©REUTERS / Action Images

Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has been named as the Cricket World Player Of The Week after his hat-trick helped his side beat Australia in the fifth and final One-Day International in Colombo.

Malinga took three wickets in three balls for the third time in ODI cricket having previously achieved the feat at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

He took figures of three for 35 as Australia were bowled out for 211 at the R Premadesa Stadium with Malinga's victims Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings and Xavier Doherty.

Johnson and Doherty were both comprehensively bowled while Hastings was trapped leg before.

Sri Lanka then reached their target with three overs to spare thanks to half-centuries from Chamara Silva (63) and Mahela Jayawardene (71).

Other contenders for the weekly award were Shanr Watson, who made 56 before Australia lost their way, England's Eoin Morgan, Jonathan Trott and Jade Dernbach, who played key roles in an 11-run win over Ireland.

© Cricket World 2011