Hasan Mahmood produced a historic bowling performance as Bangladesh dismissed Afghanistan for 240 on the third day of the Test, securing a first-innings lead of 106 runs. The fast bowler claimed a hat-trick and finished with five wickets, helping Bangladesh dismantle Afghanistan’s lower order during Sunday’s opening session, 11 October.
Afghanistan had finished the second day on 211 for four, leaving themselves in a promising position to build a substantial total. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers struck early on the third morning, preventing the visitors from turning that platform into a commanding first-innings score.
Ebadot Hossain provided Bangladesh with the breakthrough soon after play resumed. He bowled Ikram Alikhil for 32 off 103 deliveries, reducing Afghanistan to 219. The dismissal opened the door for Bangladesh to apply further pressure, and Hasan soon delivered a spell that became the 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 sequence left Afghanistan reeling and gave Bangladesh a crucial advantage as the innings approached its conclusion.
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 Bangladesh players to take Test hat-tricks were spinners Alok Kapali and Sohag Gazi, making Hasan’s achievement a significant milestone for the country’s pace-bowling tradition.
The fast bowler continued to trouble Afghanistan after his hat-trick, dismissing Yamin Ahmadzai to complete a five-wicket haul. His ability to take wickets in quick succession prevented the visitors from rebuilding their innings after losing several batters in a short period.
Mohammad Salim was the final Afghanistan batter to fall, 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 decisive in restricting the visitors and establishing Bangladesh’s first-innings advantage.
Despite the collapse, Afghanistan had one major individual achievement to celebrate. Captain Rahmat Shah scored a century in his first Test as 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 helped Afghanistan reach a competitive total under the circumstances, but the lack of sustained support from the other batters meant his effort could not prevent Bangladesh from taking a substantial lead. His century stood out amid an innings otherwise dominated by the home side’s bowlers.
The 106-run advantage gives Bangladesh an opportunity to strengthen their position in the match. Their next task will be to capitalise on the lead with the bat and put further pressure on Afghanistan. The extent of that advantage will depend on Bangladesh’s performance in their next innings and how effectively Afghanistan respond.
For Hasan, however, the morning will be remembered for an achievement that places him among a select group in Bangladesh’s Test history. By becoming the country’s first fast bowler to take a Test hat-trick, he delivered both a personal milestone and a potentially decisive contribution to his team’s campaign.