NEW DELHI: Bangladesh's young fast bowler Hasan Mahmud made history on Thursday by becoming the first visiting pacer since South Africa's Dale Steyn to take four wickets on the opening day of a Test match in India.
Mahmud's performance disrupted India's batting lineup before Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja helped the hosts recover to 339 for 6 by the end of the day.
Playing in only his fourth Test match, the 24-year-old Mahmud took 4 for 58, including the wickets of Indian captain Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), Virat Kohli (6), and Rishabh Pant (39). His initial five-over spell of 5-2-6-3 significantly impacted India's top order, reducing them to 144 for 6 at one point.
Mahmud's feat is notable as no visiting fast bowler had achieved this on the opening day of a Test in India since Steyn's spell in 2006. Mahmud's ability to swing the ball both ways showcased his potential on the international stage.
Despite Mahmud's breakthroughs, India turned the tide through Ashwin and Jadeja. Ashwin scored an unbeaten 102, while Jadeja added 86 not out, their partnership of 195 runs for the seventh wicket stabilizing India's innings.
Mahmud, who hails from a farming family near Chattogram, progressed through Bangladesh’s age-group cricket system. Former Bangladesh pace coaches Allan Donald and Ottis Gibson have praised him highly.
Reflecting on dismissing top Indian batsmen, Mahmud said, "I'm just happy. When you take their wickets, who are the best right now, naturally one would be happy."
With four more days left in the match, Mahmud's performance will be closely watched as Bangladesh and India continue their contest.
1st Test, Day 1: Ashwin, Jadeja dig India out of trouble vs Bangladesh
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