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Hasan Mahmud’s hat-trick was a landmark moment for Bangladesh cricket, highlighting the growing impact of the country’s pace attack in the longest format. The right-arm fast bowler produced the breakthrough during the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to achieve the feat.
Mahmud’s historic spell began when he bowled Afghanistan batter Ismat Alam, uprooting the off-stump. He then dismissed Qais Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman with consecutive deliveries to complete the hat-trick.
The crucial decision involving Zia-ur-Rehman required a review. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and experienced batter Litton Das encouraged Mahmud to review the leg-before-wicket appeal. The decision was overturned after the review indicated that the delivery would have hit the stumps.
That intervention helped Mahmud complete a milestone that had eluded Bangladesh’s fast bowlers throughout the country’s Test history.
Before Mahmud’s achievement, only two Bangladesh players had recorded Test hat-tricks.
Alok Kapali became the first when he achieved the feat against Pakistan in 2003. Sohag Gazi followed with a hat-trick against New Zealand in 2013.
Mahmud’s performance added a new chapter to that record and made him the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to join the list.
The distinction is particularly significant for a country that has worked to strengthen its pace-bowling resources and develop a more competitive Test attack.
The hat-trick followed another notable performance by Mahmud against Australia in Darwin in August 2026. He took nine wickets in that match as Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory.
His performances have helped strengthen the reputation of Bangladesh’s pace attack and given the team greater confidence in overseas Test cricket.
The Afghanistan fixture, however, is outside the ICC World Test Championship cycle. Mahmud’s achievement remains an individual and national milestone regardless of its championship implications.
Test hat-tricks are rare because they require a bowler to dismiss three batters on consecutive deliveries. They also demand a combination of accuracy, skill, pressure management and, at times, the support of a successful review.
For Bangladesh, Mahmud’s feat demonstrates the value of a disciplined fast-bowling approach and adds another memorable moment to the team’s Test history.
As Bangladesh continues its campaign in international cricket, Mahmud’s form will be an important factor in the team’s efforts to compete against established Test nations.
Hasan Mahmud’s historic Test hat-trick against Afghanistan marks a significant achievement for Bangladesh cricket. By becoming the country’s first fast bowler to take three wickets in consecutive deliveries in a Test, he has joined Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi in a select group of national record-holders.
The milestone also reinforces the growing contribution of Bangladesh’s pace bowlers, with Mahmud emerging as a key figure in the team’s recent Test successes.
International Cricket Council (ICC) — “Bangladesh fast bowler reflects on historic Test hat-trick.” Published October 12, 2026.
https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/bangladesh-fast-bowler-reflects-on-historic-test-hat-trick
Primary source for the hat-trick, Mahmud’s remarks, the review and his recent Test form.
The Daily Star — “Hasan becomes first Bangladesh pacer to claim Test hattrick.” Published October 11, 2026.
https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/news/hasan-becomes-first-bangladesh-pacer-claim-test-hat-trick-4295811
Supports the historical comparison with Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi and explains the decisive review.
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) — “Hasan Mahmud scripts history with hat-trick as first Bangladesh pacer.” Published October 11, 2026.
https://www.bssnews.net/sports/433514
Corroborates Mahmud’s record and Bangladesh’s earlier Test hat-tricks.
ICC — “Mahmud’s historic spell, Bangladesh on top against Australia.” Published August 13, 2026.
https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/mahmud-s-historic-spell-bangladesh-on-top-against-australia
Provides background on Mahmud’s performance against Australia in Darwin.
