Taijul Islam became Bangladesh’s highest Test wicket taker during the Mirpur Test against Ireland, a match in which he surpassed Shakib Al Hasan to claim the record.
Taijul began the Test with 242 wickets and reduced the gap in the first innings, before removing Andy Balbirnie in the second innings to move past Shakib. He added two more wickets to close the match on 249, cementing his position at the top of the national rankings.
Shakib congratulated him publicly, writing that he expected Taijul to finish his career with 400 wickets and wished him well for the journey ahead. Shakib had himself overtaken Mohammad Rafique in 2013 to reach the summit, holding the record for many years, and with no other bowler in the current squad close to the 200 mark, Taijul’s lead is expected to endure.
Mushfiqur Rahim, who was playing his 100th Test, also shared his congratulations, expressing confidence that more milestones would follow. Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and T20 captain Liton Das sent their own messages, with Shanto praising Taijul’s quiet consistency, commitment to the team and the pride he brings to the squad.
It marked a significant moment for Bangladesh cricket, delivered by a bowler whose reliability and discipline have long been central to the Test side’s identity.
