Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first fast bowler from the nation to secure a hat-trick in Test matches.
This milestone occurred during the third day of a single Test match against Afghanistan at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Mahmud achieved this remarkable feat in the 83rd over, dismissing three Afghan batsmen with consecutive deliveries. He first bowled Ismat Alam for a duck, followed by a wicket for Kaise Ahmed, who also went out without scoring, caught by Liton Das. Mahmud completed his hat-trick by removing Ziaur Rahman, who was also dismissed for zero runs.
Before Mahmud’s achievement, two other Bangladeshi bowlers had recorded hat-tricks in Test cricket. Former leg-spinner Alok Kapali was the first to do so in 2003, taking three wickets against Pakistan. Spin bowler Sohag Gazi followed suit in 2013 against .
In a stellar performance, Mahmud took five wickets for 55 runs in his 21 overs, helping Bangladesh stage a remarkable comeback. Afghanistan, who had appeared strong with 211 runs for the loss of four wickets at the end of the second day, collapsed to 240 all out. The team lost their last six wickets for just 29 runs. Afghanistan’s captain, played a commendable innings, remaining unbeaten on 105 runs from 216 balls, which included 10 fours and 2 sixes. Alongside Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain also contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s bowling effort, claiming four wickets for 56 runs, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket.