Hasan Mahmud scripted history with a maiden hat-trick by a Bangladesh pacer in Test cricket and became the fastest Bangladeshi to 50 wickets in the format as the visitors strengthened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Bangladesh reached 223-6 in their second innings at stumps on the third day at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, extending their overall lead to 329 runs after bowling Afghanistan out for 240.
Hasan, who claimed five wickets for 55 runs, delivered a decisive burst in the morning session, removing Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman in three consecutive deliveries in the 83rd over to become only the third Bangladeshi bowler to take a Test hat-trick.
Leg-spinner Alok Kapali had claimed Bangladesh’s first Test hat-trick against Pakistan in Peshawar in 2003, while off-spinner Sohag Gazi achieved the feat against New Zealand in Dhaka in 2013.
Hasan’s achievement was particularly significant as Bangladesh’s pace attack continued to establish itself as a formidable force in Test cricket. He also reached the 50-wicket milestone in the format, underlining his growing importance to the national side.
“When you start bowling, you try to bowl upright, swing the ball and get wickets. I was just trying that and bowling across,” Hasan said after the day’s play.
“I’m very pleased to see this kind of moment in the morning. Yesterday, I got one wicket in the whole day, but I wasn’t nervous at all. I was looking forward. I just felt that I should bowl straight, that’s it, and let the ball do its job.”
Afghanistan had appeared well placed to build a substantial first-innings total, with captain Rahmat Shah anchoring the innings. Rahmat remained unbeaten on 105 off 216 balls, but received little support from the lower order as the hosts lost their last six wickets for just 29 runs.
Hasan’s hat-trick reduced Afghanistan to 220-8, and Ebadot Hossain completed the demolition by taking four wickets for 56 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the other wicket as Afghanistan were dismissed in 89.1 overs.
Bangladesh had earlier posted 346 in their first innings, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim scoring 83, Shadman Islam making 67 and Litton Das contributing 53.
The visitors initially struggled in their second innings, slipping to 53-3 after Shadman, Mominul Haque and Tanzid departed cheaply. However, Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings with a 159-run fourth-wicket partnership.
Mushfiqur, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, scored 81 off 148 balls, hitting nine fours. Shanto made a patient 82 from 191 deliveries before falling late in the day.
Bangladesh lost three wickets in the final 10 overs, including Mushfiqur and Shanto, but Litton remained unbeaten on five alongside Mehidy, who was yet to score.
Reflecting on the historic morning, Hasan credited his teammates for helping him make the right decisions during the hat-trick over.
“Credit to the captain and Litton Das for talking and chatting with each other. They corrected me, saying it was going to hit, so I could take the review,” he said.
Hasan also looked ahead to Bangladesh’s upcoming Test assignments, including the World Test Championship and the tour of South Africa.
“I just want to keep going like that always,” he said, adding that the team would continue to focus on bowling the right lengths and maintaining the same process.
With a 329-run advantage and four wickets remaining, Bangladesh are firmly positioned to dictate the final two days, while Afghanistan face a formidable challenge to save the Test.
Brief Score
Day 3
Bangladesh 346 and 223 for 6 (Shanto 82, Mushfiqur 81, Ahmadzai 2-42, Zia 2-55) lead Afghanistan 240 (Rahmat 105*, Mahmud 5-51, Ebadot 4-56) by 329 runs
