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Langeveldt recalls 'most expensive hat-trick'

Cape Town - Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt has fond memories of the Kensington Oval in Barbados, where he vividly remembers taking the 'most expensive hat-trick in world cricket'. 

Langeveldt's heroics on May 11, 2005 ensured that the Proteas beat the West Indies by a single run to win the series in dramatic fashion. 

The West Indies needed just four runs for victory going into the final over with three wickets in hand.

When the first two balls of Langeveldt's over went for singles, the match looked over as a contest.

The West Indies needed just two from four.

What followed was a Langeveldt masterclass as he became the first South African to take an ODI hat-trick while the Proteas recorded one of cricket's great comebacks and Langeveldt recorded his then-career-best figures of 5/62. 

That was over 10 years ago now, but Langeveldt remembers it clearly.

"The ground has changed a lot. When I look at the stadium ... it was still wooden," Langeveldt recalled. 

"It's changed a lot but the memory is still there. One of the locals reminded me. He said 'I watched your video just yesterday'."

The Barbados local listened with keen interest as Langeveldt walked him through the story.

"I wasn't thinking about a lot. I wasn't thinking about the outcome, because as soon as you start thinking about the outcome you're not going to perform and execute," he said.

"Before the last over there was hardly any pressure because we were expecting to lose the game. Once I got the first wicket then obviously I knew we had a chance ... I think I got (Ian) Bradshaw bowled."

That set the ball rolling, and all of a sudden the Proteas were in with a chance. 

In walked Daren Powell, and his attire gave Langeveldt something to think about.

"Powell walked in with a cap and I thought 'I should bounce him for the disrespect for a fellow-fast bowler.'," said Langeveldt.

"But I also thought that he was going to play with his ego, so I went full, but not that full ... because he was going to try and hit me over the head. It was the perfect delivery."

Powell was bowled, first-ball, and the West Indies were on the ropes. 

Enter Corey Collymore.

"And then when I saw Corey I knew that this is probably the best batsman to bowl to if you want to get a hat-trick; he's a proper tail-ender."

"Bowling that last ball ... as soon as I delivered I knew it was out."

It was out, and Langeveldt wheeled off in celebration in what is surely his finest hour in a Proteas kit.

It came at a price, though.

"I thought it was bowled, I got fined because it was LBW and I didn't appeal so I didn't look around to the umpire," so Langeveldt's version of the story goes.

"I got fined and it was probably the most expensive hat-trick in world cricket."

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