Hasan Mahmud Hat-Trick: First Bangladesh Pacer to Take a Test Hat-Trick

Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud has made history in Test cricket. On the third day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, Hasan took three wickets in three consecutive balls to complete a hat-trick, becoming the first Bangladesh pace bowler to take a Test hat-trick. His spell helped bowl Afghanistan out for 240 in their first innings, handing Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 106 runs.

Hasan Mahmud hat-trick: three wickets in three balls

Hasan Mahmud reached the landmark in the 83rd over of Afghanistan's innings, sending back Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman off successive deliveries.

First ball: Ismat Alam

Hasan's delivery beat Ismat Alam's defence and crashed into the stumps, starting the hat-trick.

Second ball: Qais Ahmad

Off the next ball, Qais Ahmad edged behind and wicketkeeper Litton Das completed a fine catch.

Third ball: Zia-ur-Rehman

Hasan then struck Zia-ur-Rehman on the pad. The umpire initially turned down the appeal, but Bangladesh went for DRS. Replays showed the ball hitting the stumps, the decision was overturned, and Hasan's hat-trick was complete.

Why the record matters for Bangladesh cricket

Hasan Mahmud is now the third Bangladesh bowler to take a Test cricket hat-trick. Before him, Alok Kapali did it against Pakistan in 2003 and Sohag Gazi against New Zealand in 2013.

Both of them, however, were spinners. By taking a hat-trick as a fast bowler, Hasan has set a new record: he is the first Bangladesh pacer to take three wickets in three balls in Test cricket.

Hasan Mahmud bowling triggers Afghanistan collapse

Afghanistan resumed their first innings on day three at 211 for four, hoping to close in on Bangladesh's 346. Bangladesh's bowlers, however, kept taking wickets and built pressure through the day's play.

Hasan Mahmud's hat-trick left the Afghanistan innings in disarray, and the side was bowled out for 240. Hasan finished with five wickets for 55 runs in 21 overs, and Bangladesh secured a first-innings lead of 106 runs.

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Test: the score

Score after the end of Afghanistan's first innings on day three.

Hasan Mahmud also impressed against Australia

Hasan Mahmud has been in the spotlight for his fast bowling in recent times. His hat-trick against Afghanistan has once again underlined his importance to Bangladesh's bowling attack.

The 26-year-old made his Test debut in 2024. With a Test hat-trick and a five-wicket haul, he has now added a major milestone to his career.

How much does the hat-trick help Bangladesh?

The 106-run first-innings lead puts Bangladesh in a strong position in the AFG vs BAN Test. The final result, however, will depend on how both sides bat and bowl in the second innings.

Hasan Mahmud's feat goes beyond three wickets. He has written a new chapter for fast bowlers in Bangladesh's Test history. It remains to be seen how well Bangladesh can make use of the lead.