Naseem Shah sets world new record with hat-trick against Bangladesh

RAWALPINDI (92 News) – Pakistan’s 16-year-old pace sensation Naseem Shah has set world new record to claim a Test hat-trick on Sunday at the age of 16 years and 359 days. He becomes the youngest cricketer to ever take a Test hat-trick when he dismissed Bangladesh batsmen Najmul Hossain, Taijul Islam and Mahmudullah off consecutive deliveries in Rawalpindi and etched his name in history. Shah first trapped Najmul Hossain Shanto, a decision that was overturned after Pakistan went for a DRS. The 16-year-old pacer then sent Taijul Islam and Mahmudullah back to the pavilion on successive deliveries to complete his hat-trick. Shah’s hat trick also ended Pakistan’s 18-year-old Test hat-trick drought. Naseem also ended Pakistan’s 18 years wait to take a Test hat-trick. The last Pakistani man to take Test hat-trick was Mohammad Sami. Shah wasn’t even born when Sami had chalked the hat trick in 2001/02. Naseem breaks the record of compatriot Abdul Razzaq, who claimed a hat-trick at the age of 20 against Sri Lanka. He surpassed Bangladeshi bowler Alok Kapali’s record of being the youngest ever cricketer to claim a Test hat-trick. The Bangladeshi had got a hat trick at the age of 19. Pakistan’s previous youngest was Abdul Razzaq who got a hat trick at the age of 20. Earlier today, Bangladesh were shaken by 16-year-old pacer Naseem Shah, who reduced Bangladesh to 124 for five with a hat-trick on day three of the first Test on Sunday. After losing Tamim Iqbal (34) and Saif Hassan (16) early on in their second innings, Bangladesh had looked to build a strong partnership to get a lead on Pakistan. Shah had given Pakistan an early breakthrough in the match’s third innings when he removed Bangladesh opener Hassan. Fighting to save the Test, Bangladesh were 51-1 at tea on the third day, with opener Iqbal and Najmul Hossain Shanto on the crease. Iqbal did not last long, however, and was removed by Yasir Shah in the 16th over. He was replaced by skipper Mominul Haque. Teenage paceman Naseem Shah removed Bangladesh opener Saif Hassan to give Pakistan an early breakthrough after the home team put on a big 212-run lead. Fighting to save the Test, Bangladesh were 51-1 at tea on the third day, with opener Tamim Iqbal on a confident 32 and Najmul Hossain Shanto on three. Bangladesh, who scored 233 in their first innings, still need another 161 to avoid an innings defeat with nine wickets intact. Pakistan were bowled out for 445 in their first innings with Babar Azam scoring 143 and Haris Sohail 75. Saif, playing his first Test, was on a pair after his second ball duck in the first innings but he started confidently to reach 16 with four boundaries before he was bowled by Naseem. Iqbal, fresh from scoring the highest first class score on Bangladeshi soil of 334 not out last week, has so far hit six boundaries. Earlier, Haris Sohail unbeaten 50 took Pakistan to 420/7 at lunch against Bangladesh on the third day in the first Test in Rawalpindi on Sunday, reaching 420-7 at lunch. Bangladesh took four wickets as Pakistan built a commanding first innings lead. Sohail, whose position was in danger after consistent failures, hit six fours and one six in his third Test half century. Pakistan, with Haris Sohail not out 54 and Shaheen Shah Afridi on three, led by 187 runs in reply to Bangladesh´s 233. Resuming at 342-3, Pakistan had hoped for quick runs, but lost the centurion Babar Azam to the first ball of the day. Azam seemed caught in two minds whether to play or leave a length delivery from pace bowler Abu Jayed and edged to Mohammad Mithun at first slip. Azam´s 143 was his fifth Test hundred and a masterclass of attractive batting which lasted 4hr 37min and included a six and 18 fours. Asad Shafiq, who put on 137 for the fourth wicket with Azam, added just five to his overnight score before he was caught behind off fast bowler Ebadot Hossain for 65 that included nine boundaries. Jayed was the pick of the bowlers with 3-85 in 27 overs of hard work. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan fell quickly for 10, miscuing a hook off Rubel Hossain which was safely taken by Mahmudullah at fine leg. Rubel also dismissed Yasir Shah leg-before for five to have figures of 2-102.