Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud made history by becoming the first fast bowler from the country to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Mahmud achieved the milestone against Afghanistan in the one-off Test at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, dismissing three batters in three consecutive deliveries.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first. The visitors posted 346 in their first innings, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim scoring 83 off 71 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes. Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed four wickets, while Yamin Ahmadzai picked up two.
Hasan Mahmud Claims Three Wickets in Three Balls
Hasan Mahmud completed his historic hat-trick in the 83rd over, using the new ball to expose Afghanistan’s lower order. He first bowled Ismat Alam with a good-length delivery that moved back into the batter and stayed low, beating his attempt to defend from the back foot.
On the next delivery, Mahmud dismissed Qais Ahmad, who edged a delivery outside off stump. Wicketkeeper Litton Das dived to his right to complete an excellent catch. Mahmud then trapped Zia-ur-Rehman in front with another delivery that nipped back into the right-hander.
The on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, prompting Shanto to review the decision. Ball-tracking showed that the ball pitched outside off stump, struck the batter in line and would have hit the stumps. The decision was overturned, completing the hat-trick and leaving Afghanistan eight wickets down.
Hasan Mahmud Joins Exclusive List of Bangladesh Bowlers
Hasan Mahmud became only the third Bangladesh bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Before his achievement, Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi were the only Bangladesh bowlers to reach the milestone.
Kapali claimed his hat-trick against Pakistan in Peshawar in 2003, while Gazi achieved the feat against New Zealand in Chattogram in 2013.
Bangladesh Bowlers to Take a Hat-Trick in Test Cricket
Bowler | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Alok Kapali | Pakistan | Peshawar | 2003 |
Sohag Gazi | New Zealand | Chattogram | 2013 |
Hasan Mahmud | Afghanistan | Abu Dhabi | 2026 |
Hasan Mahmud Claims Five Wickets Before Rahmat Shah Hits Historic Century
Hasan Mahmud completed a five-wicket haul against Afghanistan with the dismissal of Yamin Ahmadzai in the 87th over. The Bangladesh pacer initially had Ahmadzai caught behind, but the batter reviewed the decision. UltraEdge confirmed an outside edge and Mahmud celebrated his fifth wicket of the innings.
Mahmud also become the fastest Bangladesh pace bowler to reach 50 wickets in Test cricket. He troubled Afghanistan’s lower order with the second new ball, using movement off the surface to break through the batting lineup.
At the other end, Rahmat Shah stood firm for Afghanistan and produced a memorable innings under pressure. He reached his fourth Test century with a powerful pull shot for four, becoming the first Afghan cricketer to score a Test hundred on his captaincy debut.
Shah removed his helmet and raised his hands as his teammates applauded the milestone. However, Afghanistan were bundled out for 240. They began the day at 211/4 and looked well placed to secure a first-innings lead, but Mahmud derailed their innings.
Bangladesh wrapped up Afghanistan’s innings within the first 11 overs of the morning session. They took a 106-run lead after both teams completed their first innings.
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