Taijul Islam Claims the Throne—Surpasses Shakib as Bangladesh’s New Test King

Taijul Islam has officially risen to the summit of Bangladesh’s Test bowling history, surpassing the legendary Shakib Al Hasan to become the country’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. The left-arm spinner achieved the milestone in style during the second innings against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Taijul had already drawn level with Shakib’s tally of 246 wickets after claiming four wickets in Ireland’s first innings. The record itself, however, did not have to wait long. In just the sixth over of Ireland’s second innings, Taijul trapped Andy Balbirnie lbw with a delivery that straightened sharply. Even after taking a review, the Irish captain could not overturn the decision, officially placing Taijul at the top of the national wicket-taking charts.

Shakib, widely regarded as Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, took 246 wickets across 71 matches and 121 innings. His illustrious Test career includes an extraordinary 19 five-wicket hauls and two match hauls of ten or more wickets—figures that underline his status as a world-class all-rounder.

Taijul, however, has reached the landmark in considerably fewer matches. Following Balbirnie’s dismissal, he soon removed Paul Stirling as well, extending his tally to 248 wickets in just 57 matches and 102 innings. Like Shakib, Taijul also has two ten-wicket match hauls to his name, along with an impressive 17 instances of taking five wickets in an innings. Approaching his mid-thirties, he continues to grow in stature as Bangladesh’s premier Test spinner.

Behind them in Bangladesh’s all-time rankings is off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has already taken 209 wickets in 97 innings. Apart from these three, only Mohammad Rafique has reached the century mark with exactly 100 wickets in 48 innings.

Taijul’s ascent marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s cricketing history—a passing of the torch and the rise of a new Test bowling ‘king’.

Table: Bangladesh’s Top Test Wicket-Takers

Khaborwala/SJ