In a remarkable display of fast bowling, Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud grabbed headlines with a stellar performance against Ireland in the third ODI of the series. The 23-year-old right-arm pacer took five wickets for just 32 runs, helping Bangladesh secure a commanding 10-wicket victory, and sealing the series 2-0. This win was particularly historic for Bangladesh, as all 10 Irish wickets fell to fast bowlers for the first time in the country’s ODI history.
A Career-Defining Performance
Hasan Mahmud’s exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match award. His lethal bowling spell dismantled the Irish batting line-up, limiting them to a mere 101 runs in 28.1 overs. Mahmud, alongside his pace bowling colleagues, showcased Bangladesh’s growing strength in fast bowling under the guidance of former South African great, Allan Donald.
Early Life and Journey to the National Team
Born on October 12, 1999, in Lakshmipur district, Mahmud has quickly become a key figure in Bangladesh’s pace attack. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches, Mahmud may not be the tallest fast bowler, but his precise front-on action and ability to generate impressive pace make him a dangerous prospect for opposition batsmen. He made his international debut in 2020 and has steadily been building a reputation as one of the brightest young fast bowlers in Bangladesh.
From U-19 to the Senior Team
Hasan Mahmud’s rise to the senior team came through Bangladesh Cricket Board’s youth development programs. He first appeared in the Chittagong Under-16 team in 2015, and later represented Bangladesh in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, where he took nine wickets. His performances in domestic competitions, including the Dhaka Premier League and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), further solidified his place in the national squad.
Mahmud was particularly impressive during the Bangabandhu T20 Cup in 2020, where his 11 wickets for Jamcon Khulna earned him an ODI call-up against the West Indies in early 2021. His journey through various age-group levels and domestic cricket prepared him for the big stage, and he has not looked back since.
A Promising Future for Bangladesh’s Pace Attack
Hasan Mahmud’s performance against Ireland highlights the potential of Bangladesh’s fast-bowling unit, which has traditionally relied on spinners. With experienced coaches like Allan Donald mentoring the team, Mahmud and his fellow pacers are creating a new chapter in Bangladesh cricket, proving that the team can now compete on fast tracks as well as spin-friendly conditions.
Mahmud’s consistent performances in both T20s and ODIs are making him one of the most promising players in Bangladesh’s squad. Fans and selectors alike see him as a crucial part of the future, especially in fast bowling—a department that Bangladesh has historically struggled with.
