Hasan Mahmud Claims Bangladesh Pace Milestone in Abu Dhabi Test

Hasan Mahmud produced a historic bowling display for Bangladesh on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, taking a maiden Test hat-trick against Afghanistan in the one-off Test and strengthening his rise as a leading red-ball pacer.

The 26-year-old pacer claimed five wickets for 55 runs on a good batting surface, becoming the first Bangladesh pacer to take a Test hat-trick, according to The Daily Star.

Hasan also became the fastest Bangladesh pacer to reach 50 Test wickets, achieving the mark in 17 matches and surpassing Taskin Ahmed's previous record of 18 Tests.

According to The Daily Star, Hasan has taken 30 Test wickets over the last two years at a strike rate of 53.86. In the past 12 months, his strike rate improved to 43.25 with 16 wickets in five Tests.

Tarek Aziz, one of the pace-bowling coaches working with Hasan, credited the bowler's development to improved confidence and technical progress.

"In the last one-and-a-half years, he has improved immensely. From the Pakistan series to India and then elsewhere, his confidence has soared," said Tarek Aziz, one of the pace-bowling coaches.

Tarek Aziz said Hasan's improved length control has increased his ability to take wickets with the new ball. The coach highlighted the importance of adapting deliveries to different pitches.

"The main aspect was how he upgraded his length, which has increased his wicket-taking ability with the new ball," said Tarek Aziz, one of the pace-bowling coaches.

The coach explained that Hasan has become more effective by identifying the right bowling lengths for different conditions. His performances have included matches in Pakistan, India, Australia and county cricket with Kent.

"Given his confidence, he now knows anything is possible, especially after performing against India and Australia and his exploits in county cricket. He now knows from what lengths to move the ball to get wickets. Length management, knowing what length to bowl on what wickets, has vastly improved.

The length with the new ball varies from wicket to wicket. For instance, on some wickets the ideal length is 5.5m, while on another it is 6m, and it can be very challenging. He really focused on these lengths and is now very confident," said Tarek Aziz, one of the pace-bowling coaches.

Hasan's ability to generate movement has helped him succeed despite not being an express fast bowler. The Daily Star reported that his wrist action and high-arm action have been key parts of his improvement.

"Hasan is a flicker," said Tarek Aziz, one of the pace-bowling coaches, referring to the wrist snap that provides extra pace.

Tarek Aziz added that Hasan's wrist position has improved, allowing him to create more swing. The coach also said further work with the old ball could make the pacer more effective.

"Most importantly, his wrist position is higher than before, which automatically helps him swing the ball more. Now, if he can work more with the old ball, he would be even better," said Tarek Aziz, one of the pace-bowling coaches.

The three deliveries that completed Hasan's hat-trick forced Afghanistan batters to play at the ball, with movement and extra pace leading to their dismissals. His five-wicket haul was his fourth in Test cricket, matching Shahadat Hossain's tally.