Hasan Mahmud becomes first Bangladesh fast bowler to take a Test hat-trick in Abu Dhabi

Hasan Mahmud became the first Bangladesh pacer to claim a Test hat-trick on Sunday, October 11, during Day 3 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

The 26-year-old produced the feat in Afghanistan's first innings on Day 3. Afghanistan had resumed the day at 211 for four and were seeking to build their total when Mahmud produced his decisive burst.

Mahmud struck in the 83rd over, first bowling Ismat Alam with a delivery that beat his defense and hit the stumps. He removed Qais Ahmad with the next ball when wicketkeeper Litton Das took a low catch behind the stumps. The following delivery trapped Zia-ur-Rehman on the pads, prompting an LBW appeal that the on-field umpire initially rejected.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto requested a review; ball-tracking showed the delivery would have hit the off stump and the decision was overturned, completing Mahmud's hat-trick.

Mahmud finished the innings with figures of five for 55 from 21 overs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 240. Bangladesh had posted 346 in their first innings, giving them a lead of 106 runs.

He became only the third Bangladeshi to take a Test hat-trick, following Alok Kapali against Pakistan in Peshawar in 2003 and Sohag Gazi against New Zealand in Chittagong in 2013. Both of the earlier hat-tricks were taken by spinners, making Mahmud the first Bangladesh fast bowler to achieve the feat.

The five-wicket haul added to Mahmud's Test record; he made his Test debut in 2024 and has since been part of Bangladesh's pace attack.