Hasan Mahmud etched his name in history during the first Test match against India at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Mahmud’s sensational five-wicket haul not only marked the best-ever bowling figures by a Bangladeshi bowler on Indian soil but also played a crucial role in dismantling India’s top order.
Hasan Mahmud: A rising star
Bangladesh entered the first Test with a well-thought-out bowling strategy. With India’s formidable batting lineup, the Bangladeshi bowlers knew they had to be sharp, focused, and relentless. The plan was simple: use pace and swing to challenge India’s top order, particularly in the early stages.
Hasan Mahmud, a promising right-arm pacer, has been steadily making a name for himself in international cricket. He executed this strategy perfectly, delivering a new ball spell that left the Indian batters unsettled.
Breaking down the 5-wicket haul
- The dismissal of Rohit Sharma was a pivotal moment in the match. Mahmud bowled a sharp delivery that swung in late, leaving Sharma no room to adjust.
- Shubman Gill, one of India’s emerging batting talents, was Mahmud’s next victim. Gill, who was looking to build a solid partnership with his captain, was undone by a delivery that nipped away, catching the edge and finding the hands of the slip fielder.
- Dismissing Virat Kohli is a prized wicket for any bowler, and Mahmud did it in style. Kohli, known for his aggressive approach, was deceived by a delivery that swung away at the last moment, forcing an edge to the wicketkeeper.
- Rishabh Pant, India’s aggressive middle-order batsman, tried to counterattack but fell victim to Mahmud’s disciplined line and length. Pant, who was looking to accelerate the innings, was caught out as he attempted to play a loose drive, only to see the ball carry to the fielder.
- Jasprit Bumrah, India’s tail-ender, became Mahmud’s final wicket, completing the historic five-wicket haul. Bumrah, trying to fend off a well-directed bouncer, was caught off-guard and offered a simple catch, giving Mahmud his fifth scalp.
Best bowling figures in Tests for Bangladesh in India
Hasan Mahmud’s 5 for 83 is not just another five-wicket haul; it is the best bowling figure by a Bangladeshi player on Indian soil. This performance has solidified his place in the record books and is a testament to Bangladesh’s ever-improving cricketing capabilities.
| Player’s name | Bowling figures |
|---|---|
| Hasan Mahmud | 5/83 |
| Abu Jayed | 4/108 |
| Taskin Ahmed | 3/55 |
| Al-Amin Hossain | 3/85 |
| Ebadot Hossain | 3/91 |
While Mahmud grabbed the headlines, Taskin Ahmed’s contribution cannot be overlooked. Taskin took three crucial wickets, supporting Mahmud’s efforts and helping Bangladesh put India on the back foot.
Ashwin-Jadeja partnership
At one point, India looked set for a big total, but Mahmud and Taskin’s relentless bowling reduced them to 144 for six. Despite the early collapse, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja steadied India’s innings with a brilliant seventh-wicket partnership. Their resilience helped India recover, posting a more respectable total of 376 runs.
Bangladesh’s reply to India’s innings didn’t get off to the best start, as Jasprit Bumrah bowled Shadman Islam for just two runs. However, Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto managed to survive the remainder of the day, guiding Bangladesh to 15 for one by stumps.
This performance will undoubtedly elevate Mahmud’s standing in international cricket. With the ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, Mahmud’s stock is on the rise, and he is expected to play a key role in Bangladesh’s future cricketing campaigns.
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