Abu Dhabi witnessed a historic cricketing moment today, October 11, 2026, as Bangladesh’s right-arm fast-medium bowler Hasan Mahmud ripped through the Afghanistan batting line-up to claim a sensational hat-trick in the ongoing one-off Test at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Mahmud, aged 26, achieved the rare feat on the third day of the match, becoming the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to bag three wickets in three consecutive balls in the longest format of the game.
Hasan Mahmud Takes Hat-Trick
Historic Spell Unfolds
Mahmud’s moment of glory arrived in the 83rd over of Afghanistan’s first innings. He initiated the hat-trick by dismissing Ismat Alam, who was bowled for one run. The very next delivery saw Qais Ahmad caught behind by wicketkeeper Litton Das, edging a swinging ball. The final act of the hat-trick came when Zia-ur-Rehman was trapped leg-before-wicket. Although the on-field umpire initially gave it not out, Bangladesh opted for a review, and ball-tracking technology confirmed the ball was crashing into the stumps, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Bangladesh squad.
At the time of Mahmud’s heroics, Afghanistan were struggling at 220 for eight wickets, trailing Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 346. This hat-trick significantly bolstered Bangladesh’s position, helping them eventually bowl out Afghanistan for 240, securing a commanding 106-run first-innings lead. Mahmud finished with exceptional figures of 6/55 in the innings, marking his career-best performance in Test cricket.
Context and Significance
Hasan Mahmud’s hat-trick is only the third in Bangladesh’s Test history and the first by a fast bowler. The previous two instances were achieved by spinners: leg-spinner Alok Kapali against Pakistan in August 2003 and off-spinner Sohag Gazi against New Zealand in 2013. This achievement underscores Mahmud’s growing stature in international cricket, having made his Test debut just over two years ago against Sri Lanka on March 30, 2024.
Born on October 12, 1999, Mahmud will celebrate his 27th birthday tomorrow. Prior to this match, he had taken 45 wickets in 16 Test matches. His six-wicket haul also saw him cross the milestone of 50 Test wickets, further cementing his role as a key component of Bangladesh’s bowling attack. Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by captain Rahmat Shah, who fought valiantly with an unbeaten 105. Bangladesh’s other bowlers also contributed, with Ebadot Hossain claiming four wickets and Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking one.
This historic performance by Hasan Mahmud has undoubtedly provided Bangladesh with significant momentum in this one-off Test match, setting them up strongly for a potential victory. The cricketing world will be watching keenly as Bangladesh aims to capitalize on this advantage.