Accra:Hasan Mahmud has set a new record by becoming the fastest Bangladeshi fast bowler to reach 50 wickets in Test cricket. He achieved this milestone in his 17th match during the ongoing Test against Afghanistan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasan's achievement surpasses the previous record held by Taskin Ahmed, who reached 50 wickets in 18 Tests. Former captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza took 19 Tests to achieve the same feat, while Shahadat Hossain Rajib needed 21 matches.
Hasan's record came on a day when he also became the first Bangladeshi pacer to claim a hat-trick. Mashrafe was the first Bangladeshi pacer to take 50 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in the Fatullah Test against Australia in 2006. Shahadat followed in the Chattogram Test against Sri Lanka in 2009.
Taskin became the latest Bangladeshi pacer to join the 50-wicket club when he reached the landmark against Pakistan in May this year. Mashrafe remains Bangladesh's leading wicket-taking pacer in Test cricket with 78 wickets, followed by Shahadat with 72. Taskin has so far claimed 59 wickets, while Hasan has reached the 50-wicket mark.