Hasan Mahmud takes Test hat-trick, first Bangladesh pacer to do so, against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi

Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud made history on the third day of the Test against Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. He became the first Bangladesh pace bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket.

Hasan achieved the feat in the 83rd over of Afghanistan's first innings. He took wickets off the second, third and fourth balls to complete his Test hat-trick, dismissing Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman. All of it came with the second new ball.

In this one-off Test, Bangladesh batted first and made 346. In reply, Afghanistan's first innings folded at 240, giving Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 106 runs. Hasan's bowling played a big part in that lead. He took 5 wickets for 55 runs in 21 overs. It is Hasan's fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Besides Hasan, Ebadot Hossain also took four wickets for Bangladesh. Their fine bowling has brought Bangladesh close to victory.

Two bowlers have taken a Test hat-trick for Bangladesh before. Alok Kapali did so against Pakistan in Peshawar in 2003, and he was the first Bangladesh bowler to take a Test hat-trick. Sohag Gazi followed in 2013 against New Zealand. Both were spinners. Until now no fast bowler had done it for Bangladesh. Hasan has now added his name to that list. A Test hat-trick for Bangladesh has come now for the first time since 2013.

Hasan's career has been impressive so far. A few months ago he also made an impact with his bowling against Australia. He has taken 45 wickets in 16 Tests, 33 wickets in 26 ODIs and 28 wickets in 26 T20 internationals. Hasan plays all three formats for Bangladesh.