Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud took a hat-trick by claiming three wickets in three consecutive deliveries against Afghanistan in the one-off Test in Abu Dhabi. He became Bangladesh’s first fast bowler to achieve a hat-trick in Test cricket. Afghanistan were bowled out for 240 in their first innings, giving Bangladesh a lead of 106 runs.
Hasan Mahmud Completes Hat-Trick in the 83rd Over
The 26-year-old Mahmud struck during Afghanistan’s first innings on the third day of the match, dismissing Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman in three consecutive deliveries. He finished the innings with figures of five wickets for 55 runs in 21 overs.
Mahmud completed his hat-trick in the 83rd over of Afghanistan’s first innings. He first bowled Ismat Alam, who departed after scoring one run.
Mahmud then dismissed Qais Ahmad, whose outside edge was caught by wicketkeeper Litton Das. The wicket left Mahmud one dismissal away from completing the hat-trick.
Zia-ur-Rehman came in to face the next delivery, which struck his pads. Bangladesh’s players appealed for leg before wicket (LBW), but the on-field umpire initially ruled him not out. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto subsequently opted for the Decision Review System (DRS).
Ball-tracking showed that the delivery would have hit the stumps. The third umpire overturned the on-field decision and declared Zia-ur-Rehman out, completing Mahmud’s hat-trick.
Third Bangladesh Bowler to Take a Test Hat-Trick
Mahmud became the third Bangladesh bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Both players who achieved the feat before him were spin bowlers.
Alok Kapali took Bangladesh’s first Test hat-trick against Pakistan in Peshawar in 2003. Sohag Gazi followed with a hat-trick against New Zealand in Chattogram in 2013, taking three wickets in three consecutive deliveries.
Mahmud is the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to take a hat-trick in Test cricket.
Afghanistan Bowled Out for 240 in First Innings
Afghanistan resumed their first innings on the third day at 211 for four. Captain Rahmat Shah and Ikram Alikhil had attempted to consolidate the innings.
However, Ebadot Hossain dismissed Ikram Alikhil to break the partnership. Mahmud then claimed three consecutive wickets, leaving Afghanistan’s lower order unable to recover. The team was eventually bowled out for 240.
Bangladesh Score 346 in First Innings
Bangladesh had scored 346 in their first innings. Tanzid Hasan Tamim contributed 83 runs, Shadman Islam scored 67, and Litton Das made 53.
Afghanistan’s bowlers took wickets during the early and middle overs, but Bangladesh managed to cross the 300-run mark. Afghanistan’s reply ended at 240, giving Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 106 runs.
Mahmud claimed five wickets, while Ebadot Hossain also took wickets for Bangladesh.
The Test match is being played at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
