After reaching a major milestone, Taijul Islam is now on the brink of surpassing one-time world No. 1 all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. The left-arm spinner continues to quietly but steadily set records in Test cricket.
On Thursday in Sylhet, during the Test against Ireland, Taijul dismissed Harry Tector lbw to reach 500 wickets in first-class cricket. Before the start of the Sylhet Test, he had 497 wickets. Taking two in the first innings and one so far in the second, Taijul has now joined the elite 500-wicket club. He achieved this milestone in his 114th first-class match.
Currently playing his 56th Test, Taijul has taken 240 wickets in the format. Shakib Al Hasan leads the chart with 246 wickets — meaning Taijul needs just seven more to become Bangladesh’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test history.
For Taijul, however, this achievement is only the beginning. Speaking to the media in Colombo, he said, “I have only one goal — as long as I play for Bangladesh, I want to do something good for my country. Representing the nation is a matter of pride for me.”
Through his words, Taijul made it clear that he is not focused solely on personal success but is fully dedicated to serving the team.
