Abu Dhabi:Hasan Mahmud has become the first Bangladesh fast bowler to achieve a hat-trick in Test cricket, securing three consecutive wickets against Afghanistan on the third day of the one-off Test match held on Sunday at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Hasan dismissed Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad, and Zia-ur-Rehman in the 83rd over, making him the second Bangladeshi bowler to reach this milestone in Test cricket. This achievement came 13 years after off-spinner Sohag Gazi recorded Bangladesh's second Test hat-trick against New Zealand in Chattogram in October 2013. The first was accomplished by Alok Kapali against Pakistan in 2003.
During his remarkable 83rd over, Hasan first bowled Ismat Alam out for one with a delivery that swung back in and went under the bat. He then managed to get Qais Ahmad to edge a ball to wicketkeeper Litton Das, who made a diving catch to his right. On the next delivery, Zia-ur-Rehman was given out lbw, a decision initially turned down by the on-field umpire but overturned upon review, as ball-tracking technology confirmed it would have hit the stumps.
This hat-trick left Afghanistan in a precarious position at 220 for eight in 82.5 overs, trailing Bangladesh's first-innings total of 346 by 126 runs. Despite Rahmat Shah's effort to stabilize Afghanistan's innings with his score of 86, Hasan's performance significantly disrupted their chances of narrowing the deficit.
By the end of the day, Hasan had taken four wickets for 39 runs in 17.5 overs. His efforts, combined with Ebadot Hossain's three wickets for 52 runs, bolstered Bangladesh's dominance in the match.