Hasan Mahmud's Test hat-trick: Bangladesh's first pacer to achieve the feat
Synopsis
Hasan Mahmud just rewrote Bangladesh cricket history — not just with a hat-trick, but as the first pacer from his country to claim one in Tests. Add a five-wicket haul, a 50-wicket milestone, and a 106-run first-innings lead over Afghanistan, and Day 3 in Abu Dhabi becomes one of the most complete individual performances in Bangladesh Test history.
Key Takeaways
Hasan Mahmud became the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket on 11 October 2026 .
He is only the third Bangladeshi bowler overall to achieve the feat, after Alok Kapali (2003) and Sohag Gazi (2013).
Mahmud claimed a five-wicket haul as Afghanistan were bowled out for 240 in reply to Bangladesh's 346 .
He became the fastest Bangladeshi pacer to reach 50 Test wickets with the dismissal of Yamin Ahmadzai .
Bangladesh hold a 106-run first-innings lead in the one-off Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi .
Hasan Mahmud on Sunday, 11 October 2026 became the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket, achieving the milestone during the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The 26-year-old right-arm pacer sealed the feat in the first innings on Day 3, dismantling the Afghanistan lower middle order to also complete a five-wicket haul.
How the Hat-Trick Unfolded
Afghanistan were placed at 220 for 5 in reply to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 346, with captain Rahmat Shah at the crease alongside new arrival Ismat Alam. Mahmud struck first in the 83rd over, clean bowling Alam for one. He then drew a thick edge from Qais Ahmad, with wicketkeeper Litton Das taking a brilliant diving catch to his right. The hat-trick delivery trapped Zia-ur-Rehman in front — initially turned down by the on-field umpire, but Bangladesh successfully overturned the decision on review to complete one of the most dramatic dismissals in the sequence.
Historic Place in Bangladesh Cricket
Mahmud is only the third Bangladeshi bowler overall to take a Test hat-trick. Before him, leg-spin all-rounder Alok Kapali achieved it against Pakistan in 2003, and off-spinner Sohag Gazi against New Zealand in 2013. Notably, both predecessors were spinners — making Mahmud the first and only Bangladeshi pacer to feature on this list. The feat underscores a growing depth in Bangladesh's fast-bowling resources, a department that has historically lagged behind the country's spin stocks.
Five-Wicket Haul and 50-Wicket Milestone
Mahmud went on to remove the final Afghanistan batter, Yamin Ahmadzai, for an 11-ball duck to complete his five-wicket haul. The dismissal also brought up his 50th Test wicket, making him the fastest Bangladeshi pacer to reach that landmark. Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 240, handing Bangladesh a commanding 106-run first-innings lead.
Reactions and What It Means
Fellow Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, rested for this Test, praised Mahmud's achievement on social media. 'Hat-Trick! Congratulations to Hasan Mahmud on becoming the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket,' Taskin wrote. This comes amid a broader push by Bangladesh to build a formidable pace attack capable of competing in overseas conditions. The first-innings lead puts Bangladesh in a strong position to claim outright victory in this one-off fixture.
Point of View
Bangladesh's bowling identity was almost entirely built on spin; pace was an afterthought. The fact that Mahmud is now the fastest Bangladeshi pacer to 50 Test wickets, and the first to take a hat-trick, suggests that tide is turning. The bigger question is whether the Bangladesh Cricket Board can sustain this pipeline rather than rely on one breakout performer at a time.
NationPress
11 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Hasan Mahmud's hat-trick historic?
Hasan Mahmud became the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to take a hat-trick in Test cricket, achieving the feat against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on 11 October 2026. He is only the third Bangladeshi bowler overall to claim a Test hat-trick, after spinners Alok Kapali (2003) and Sohag Gazi (2013).
How did Hasan Mahmud complete his hat-trick?
Mahmud bowled Ismat Alam for one, then took a behind-the-wicket catch off Qais Ahmad through wicketkeeper Litton Das, and finally trapped Zia-ur-Rehman in front — the last wicket initially turned down but confirmed on DRS review. All three dismissals came in consecutive deliveries in the 83rd over.
What other milestones did Hasan Mahmud reach in this innings?
Mahmud completed a five-wicket haul and reached 50 Test wickets in the same innings, becoming the fastest Bangladeshi pacer to achieve the 50-wicket mark. Afghanistan were bowled out for 240, giving Bangladesh a 106-run first-innings lead.
Who are the other Bangladeshi bowlers to have taken a Test hat-trick?
Alok Kapali, a leg-spin all-rounder, took the first Bangladesh Test hat-trick against Pakistan in 2003, followed by off-spinner Sohag Gazi against New Zealand in 2013. Both were spinners; Mahmud is the first pacer on the list.
What is the match situation after Mahmud's five-wicket haul?
Bangladesh lead by 106 runs after the first innings, having bowled Afghanistan out for 240 in reply to their own total of 346. The result gives Bangladesh a strong platform in the one-off Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
