Hasan Mahmud Scripts History with Maiden Test Hat-Trick as Bangladesh Seamer Shines

Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud produced a memorable performance against Afghanistan in the one-off Test in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first pace bowler from Bangladesh to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket. His remarkable burst on the third morning helped dismantle Afghanistan’s lower order and strengthened Bangladesh’s control of the match.

Mahmud finished Afghanistan’s first innings with figures of 5/55 from 21 overs. The hosts were dismissed for 240, leaving Bangladesh with a 106-run first-innings advantage after posting 346. The achievement also made Mahmud only the third Bangladeshi bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket.

Three Deliveries That Made History

Mahmud completed the hat-trick during a devastating spell with the new ball. He first bowled Ismat Alam, who had scored one run, with a delivery that beat the batter’s defence and struck the stumps.

Qais Ahmad faced the next delivery and edged the ball behind. Wicketkeeper Litton Das reacted brilliantly, diving to his right to complete a sharp catch and leave Mahmud one wicket away from the milestone.

Zia-ur-Rehman was next. Mahmud struck him on the pads with a straight delivery, but the on-field umpire initially rejected the leg-before appeal. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton discussed the decision before encouraging Mahmud to review it. Ball-tracking showed the delivery would have hit the stumps, overturning the original decision and completing the historic hat-trick.

Mahmud Praises His Teammates’ Support

Mahmud described the achievement as an amazing feeling and explained that he had focused on maintaining his bowling process rather than worrying about his wicket tally. After taking only one wicket on the previous day, he remained confident that disciplined bowling could bring further success.

He credited Shanto and Litton for helping make the crucial review decision. Bangladesh had already lost reviews earlier in the match, so the decision required confidence and communication. Their support proved decisive in completing the hat-trick.

Mahmud’s approach was straightforward: bowl straight, target the stumps and allow the movement off the pitch to create opportunities. That plan worked exceptionally well as Afghanistan lost wickets in quick succession.

Afghanistan Collapse After a Promising Start

Afghanistan had resumed the third morning at 211/4 and were looking to build a substantial first-innings total. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers changed the course of the innings, with Mahmud’s three-wicket burst putting immediate pressure on the lower order.

Afghanistan lost their final six wickets for just 29 runs and were bowled out for 240 in 89.1 overs. Ebadot Hossain also played an important role, finishing with 4/56, as Bangladesh wrapped up the innings and secured a significant lead.

Bangladesh’s Batters Set Up the Advantage

Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 346 provided the foundation for Mahmud and the bowling attack to take control. Tanzid Hasan Tamim scored 83, Shadman Islam contributed 67, and Litton Das added 53 to strengthen the innings.

Afghanistan showed resistance through Rahmat Shah, who scored 88, and Abdul Malik, who made 62. Their efforts kept Afghanistan in contention for much of the innings, but the late collapse prevented the visitors from closing the gap on Bangladesh’s total.

A Hat-Trick Among Bangladesh’s Rarest Test Achievements

Before Mahmud, only two Bangladesh bowlers had taken a Test hat-trick. Alok Kapali achieved the feat against Pakistan in 2003, while Sohag Gazi took one against New Zealand in 2013. Both were spinners, making Mahmud’s achievement particularly significant for Bangladesh’s pace-bowling history.

Mahmud also reached 50 Test wickets during the performance, achieving the milestone in his 17th Test. His growing impact in the longest format has strengthened Bangladesh’s pace attack and added another landmark to his career.

Bangladesh Strengthen Their Position in Abu Dhabi

Bangladesh ended the third day at 223/6 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 329 runs. The team had moved into a strong position, although further runs would be important to set Afghanistan a demanding fourth-innings target.

Mahmud’s hat-trick was the defining moment of the day, but Bangladesh’s advantage came from a collective effort: a solid first-innings total, disciplined fast bowling and crucial support in the field. The team would look to convert that position into a match-winning result on the final day.

Conclusion

Hasan Mahmud’s historic hat-trick was a landmark moment for Bangladesh cricket. By combining accuracy, movement and composure, he became the country’s first Test pacer to take three wickets in consecutive deliveries. His five-wicket haul helped trigger Afghanistan’s collapse and gave Bangladesh a commanding first-innings lead, while the decisive DRS review demonstrated the importance of teamwork in moments of history.