Afghanistan’s Nijat Masood has joined an exclusive group of cricket bowlers by accomplishing a remarkable feat during the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur. The 24-year-old fast bowler became the seventh player in the history of Test cricket to take a wicket with his very first ball.
Masood’s achievement occurred on Day 1 of the match when he dismissed Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan for just one run in the second over. This remarkable start to his bowling spell marked the first instance of such an achievement since 2016.
The dismissal came as a result of a successful review for a caught behind, allowing Masood and the Afghan team to celebrate the early breakthrough. Despite this initial success, Bangladesh made a resilient recovery throughout the rest of the opening day.
Following the early dismissal, the Bangladeshi batsmen Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudul Joy showcased their skills and determination, forming an unbeaten partnership of 110 runs. This impressive stand propelled Bangladesh’s score to 116/1 by the time the lunch break arrived.
Masood’s accomplishment adds to the rich history of Test cricket, demonstrating the talent and impact of emerging players from Afghanistan.