Hailing from Cox’s Bazar, young left-arm spinner Hasan Murad is yet to make his Test debut but is being considered an important asset for the Bangladesh team. With Shakib Al Hasan absent, the team is counting on Murad to step up. Though he was part of the squad during the series against South Africa, he didn’t get a chance to play. This time, he has been included in the squad for the Test series against the West Indies and has already left his mark in the practice match.
In the two-day practice match ahead of the Test series, Murad showcased his skill with a stunning hat-trick, helping Bangladesh draw the game against the West Indies XI. Murad’s figures were exceptional—taking 3 wickets for just 1 run in 1.4 overs. The West Indies XI, replying to Bangladesh’s first innings score of 253, managed only 87 runs for 9 wickets.
The match, held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, began with Bangladesh batting first after winning the toss. Despite a shaky start by the top order, contributions from Zakir Hasan (48) and Mahidul Islam Ankon (41, retired hurt) helped the team post a respectable total. Mominul Haque (31) and Liton Das (31) also chipped in. Missing from the squad were regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, both sidelined due to injuries.
West Indies XI started their innings late on the first day, scoring 5 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in 2 overs. However, rain delayed the start of the second day by four and a half hours. When play resumed, Bangladesh bowlers dominated, reducing the hosts to 87 for 9 in 26.1 overs.
Hasan Murad made a late but impactful entry into the attack. He bowled his first over economically, conceding just one run, and in his second over, he claimed a sensational hat-trick. On the second, third, and fourth deliveries of the over, he dismissed Daniel Beckford (LBW), Navin Bidaisee (bowled), and Chaim Holder (LBW) consecutively. After Murad’s hat-trick, both teams agreed to call the match a draw.
