Taijul Islam has become the second Bangladesh bowler to take 200 Test wickets, reaching the landmark in the final session on day one of the Mirpur Test against South Africa.
After Bangladesh were bowled out for a record-low score of 106, Taijul Islam led Bangladesh’s fightback. Having dismissed Tristan Stubbs for 23 before lunch, the spinner took three wickets on the trot to reach the 200-wicket mark in Tests. He became the second Bangladesh bowler after Shakib Al Hasan to reach the landmark. Taijul achieved the feat in six fewer matches than Shakib, in his 48th Test.
Taijul dismissed David Bedignham (11) after the Tea break and then got rid of Tony de Zorzi (30) at short leg to get to 199 wickets. He had to wait for three more balls to get to the momentous occasion after bowling out debutant Matthew Breetzke for a duck with an arm ball.
Taijul then picked up his 13th five-wicket haul, having Ryan Rickleton caught behind for 27.
Taijul Islam bags his 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket for Bangladesh! 🇧🇩🔥#BCB #Cricket #BANvSA #WTC25 #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/cxIHlMIcE2
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) October 21, 2024
The tweaker also joined an illustrious list, becoming only the seventh left-arm spinner to get to 200 Test wickets. Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath, who finished his career with 433 wickets at an average of 28.07, including 34 five-wicket and nine ten-wicket hauls, is on top of the chart, followed by Daniel Vettori (362) and Ravindra Jadeja (306).
Most wickets for Bangladesh in Test matches
Closing in on Shakib and Taijul is Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has been one of the best all-rounders in the format lately. Four out of the top five features on the list are spinners. Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza is ranked fifth, with 78 wickets to his name.
*All data are up to date till day one of the Bangladesh-South Africa 2024 Mirpur Test
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