Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud has carved his name into cricketing folklore by securing a sensational hat-trick against Afghanistan. Demolishing the opposition's lower order in spectacular fashion, Mahmud became the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to register a Test hat-trick, as well as the third bowler overall from his country to achieve the feat.
A Triple-Wicket Maiden in the 83rd Over
The decisive breakthrough arrived during the 83rd over of Afghanistan's innings. Mahmud struck on the third delivery by removing Ismat Alam, followed immediately by Qais Ahmad on the fourth ball. On the fifth delivery, he dismissed Zia-ur-Rehman to seal the historic milestone in style. Because Mahmud did not concede a single run throughout the six deliveries, the spell was etched in the record books as a rare triple-wicket maiden.
Ending a 13-Year Test Drought for Bangladesh
This achievement also brought an end to a 13-year dry spell for Bangladesh in Test cricket, marking their first hat-trick in the longest format since that period. Prior to Mahmud's heroics, only spin bowlers had reached this milestone for the national side. Coming on the heels of impressive bowling spells against Australia, Mahmud's clinical dismantling of Afghanistan's batting order firmly establishes him as a potent spearhead for his team.
