Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud added a new chapter to the country’s Test cricket history by taking a hat-trick against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. He claimed three wickets in three consecutive deliveries on the morning of the third day, dramatically changing the course of the match. Afghanistan, who had ended the second day at 217 for four, lost four more wickets after adding just four runs to their overnight total.

Bangladesh’s main challenge at the start of the day was to halt Afghanistan’s batting momentum. Hasan rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion, completing his hat-trick in the 83rd over of the innings by dismissing three batters in successive deliveries.

Hasan first bowled Ismat Alam. On the next delivery, wicketkeeper Liton Das took a fine catch after the ball edged off Qais Ahmad’s bat. Hasan then trapped Zia Ur Rahman leg before wicket (LBW) to complete the historic hat-trick.

However, the final dismissal required a review. Bangladesh appealed strongly after the ball struck Zia Ur Rahman’s pads, but the umpire initially turned down the appeal. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto then opted for a review. Replays showed that the ball would have hit the top of the off stump, overturning the original decision and confirming Hasan’s place in history.

With this achievement, Hasan became the third Bangladeshi bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Alok Kapali was the first, achieving the feat against Pakistan in the Peshawar Test in 2003. Sohag Gazi followed with a hat-trick against New Zealand in 2013.

Hasan’s achievement is particularly significant because both Kapali and Gazi were spinners. Hasan has become the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to take a Test hat-trick.

His devastating spell left Afghanistan in serious trouble. After finishing the previous day at 217 for four, the visitors lost four more wickets on the third morning while adding only four runs. At the time of reporting, Afghanistan were 221 for eight, still trailing Bangladesh’s first-innings total by 125 runs.

One review, three consecutive deliveries and three wickets combined to create a memorable moment in Bangladesh’s Test cricket history. Hasan’s hat-trick was not merely a personal milestone; it also strengthened Bangladesh’s position in the match. The team will now look to turn this advantage into a substantial lead.