Bangladesh off-spinner Nayeem Hasan became the fastest Bangladeshi spinner to reach 50 Test wickets in terms of deliveries during the Tigers’ first Test against West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday.
Playing his 16th Test, Nayeem reached the milestone by dismissing Shamar Joseph in the second session of the third day. He took 2,856 deliveries to claim his 50th wicket, surpassing Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who previously held the record after reaching the landmark in 13 Tests.
Nayeem finished with 4/33 from 10.5 overs as Bangladesh bowled West Indies out for 245, securing a 27-run first-innings lead. He had removed Justin Greaves just before lunch before claiming three more wickets after the break.
He became the eighth Bangladeshi bowler to take 50 Test wickets and the fourth spinner after Taijul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Rafique to reach the milestone.
Shamar Joseph was Nayeem’s 50th Test victim. A length delivery outside off spun away sharply as Joseph moved across to swat it down. He got an under-edge, which Litton Das safely collected behind the stumps.
Nayeem then trapped Jomel Warrican lbw with a good-length delivery before dismissing Jayden Seales, who attempted to hit him over long-on but found Tanzid Hasan Tamim in the deep.
Nayeem had bowled only three overs on the second day but was brought back into the attack on the third morning. His first breakthrough came just before lunch when he trapped Greaves lbw for 46, ending a 51-run partnership with captain Roston Chase.
Among Bangladesh’s spinners, Taijul leads the list with 275 Test wickets, followed by Shakib with 246 and Miraz with 231. Nayeem has now joined the group with 50 wickets.
