Hasan Mahmood produced a landmark bowling performance to help Bangladesh dismiss Afghanistan for 240 on the third day of the Test, securing a first-innings lead of 106 runs. The right-arm pacer claimed a hat-trick and finished with five wickets as Afghanistan’s batting line-up collapsed during Sunday’s opening session, 11 October.
Afghanistan had ended the second day on 211 for four, putting themselves in a promising position to build a substantial first-innings total. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers struck early on the third morning, preventing the visitors from turning that platform into a commanding score.
Ebadot Hossain provided Bangladesh with the breakthrough at the start of the day. Ikram Alikhil was bowled for 32 off 103 deliveries, leaving Afghanistan on 219. His dismissal opened the door for Bangladesh to apply further pressure, and Hasan soon delivered a spell that would become a defining moment of the innings.
The decisive passage came in the 83rd over, when Hasan took three wickets in consecutive deliveries to complete his hat-trick. He dismissed Ismat, Qais and Zia-ur-Rehman with the third, fourth and fifth balls of the over, respectively. The rapid succession of wickets left Afghanistan struggling to recover and brought Bangladesh firmly back into control.
Hasan became only the third Bangladeshi bowler to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket. He also made history as the country’s first fast bowler to achieve the feat. The two previous Bangladeshi bowlers to take Test hat-tricks were spinners Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi.
The pacer continued to trouble Afghanistan after his hat-trick, removing Yamin Ahmadzai to complete a five-wicket haul. His ability to strike repeatedly at a crucial stage ensured that the visitors could not rebuild their innings after losing several wickets in quick succession.
Mohammad Salim was the final Afghanistan batter to be dismissed, bringing the innings to an end at 240. Hasan finished with five wickets, while Ebadot claimed four, accounting for nine of Afghanistan’s ten dismissals. Their combined effort proved instrumental in securing Bangladesh’s first-innings advantage.
Despite the collapse, Afghanistan had one significant individual achievement to celebrate. Captain Rahmat Shah scored a century on his debut as Test captain, providing resistance while wickets fell around him. The hundred was the fourth of his Test career and his second against Bangladesh.
Rahmat’s innings offered Afghanistan a measure of stability, but the support from the other end was insufficient to prevent Bangladesh from establishing a substantial lead. His performance stood in contrast to the collapse that followed, highlighting the importance of his contribution to the visitors’ total.
Bangladesh’s 106-run advantage gives them an opportunity to strengthen their position in the match. Hasan’s historic achievement and Ebadot’s four-wicket contribution have put the hosts in a strong position after the first innings, although the eventual outcome will depend on how Bangladesh capitalise on their lead and how Afghanistan respond as the Test progresses.
For Hasan, the hat-trick represents a notable milestone in his international career. By becoming Bangladesh’s first fast bowler to take a Test hat-trick, he has added his name to a select group in the country’s cricket history while delivering a spell that could prove decisive in the contest.
