By On Monday, Bangladeshi pacer Hasan Mahmud achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to take a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in Test cricket. This landmark performance occurred on the fourth day of the second Test in Rawalpindi.
At just 24 years old and with only two previous Test matches under his belt, Hasan Mahmud delivered an impressive display of bowling with figures of 5-43, marking his first-ever five-wicket haul in the format. His outstanding performance was crucial in dismissing Pakistan for 172 in their second innings, setting Bangladesh a target of 185 runs to secure a series whitewash.
Hasan began the day with two wickets already in hand and continued to make an impact by removing Mohammad Rizwan for 43, thus breaking a vital 55-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Salman Agha. This key breakthrough came at a critical juncture for Bangladesh.
The right-arm pacer then struck again with his very next delivery, dismissing Mohammad Ali for a duck, and completed Pakistan’s innings by claiming the final wicket of Mir Hamza for four runs.
This achievement is particularly significant as all previous five-wicket hauls by Bangladeshi bowlers against Pakistan had been achieved by spinners. Notably, Taijul Islam and Mohammad Rafique have each accomplished this feat twice, while Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Miraz have done it once each.
Moreover, Hasan’s figures of 5-43 now stand as the best by a Bangladeshi pacer against Pakistan in any format. The only other instance of a Bangladeshi seamer taking a five-wicket haul against Pakistan was Mustafizur Rahman’s 5-75 during the 2019 ICC World Cup at Lord’s.
Hasan Mahmud’s historic performance not only underscores his exceptional talent but also signifies a breakthrough for Bangladeshi fast bowling as the team aims to make further progress in Test cricket.
