Test cricket has been a remarkable journey for the Bangladesh cricket team since they gained full membership status in 2000. While their initial years were challenging, they have steadily improved and made a mark in international cricket. One aspect where Bangladesh has consistently excelled is its spin bowling prowess. In this article, we will explore the top bowlers who have taken the most wickets for Bangladesh in Test matches, highlighting their contributions and achievements.
1. Shakib Al Hasan: The Marvel of Bangladesh Cricket
Shakib Al Hasan is the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Test matches. Known for his exceptional all-round skills, Shakib has been a key figure in Bangladesh’s success in the longest format of the game. With his left-arm spin, he has consistently troubled batsmen and taken crucial wickets in all conditions. Shakib has an impressive tally of 233 wickets in 66 Test matches, including 19 five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures of 7/36 showcase his ability to dominate the opposition. Additionally, Shakib has been a reliable batsman, amassing 4454 runs with five centuries and 31 fifties.
2. Taijul Islam: The Cunning Left-Arm Spinner
Taijul Islam has appeared as a force to reckon with in Bangladesh’s Test bowling lineup. His left-arm traditional spin has proven to be effective on various surfaces, making him an asset for the team. In his 42 Test matches, Taijul has scalped 177 wickets, including an incredible innings figure of 8/39. He has also registered 11 five-wicket hauls, highlighting his ability to dismantle batting lineups. Taijul’s debut performance, where he claimed 5/137 against the West Indies, set the tone for his successful Test career.
3. Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The Rising Star
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a young and talented off-spinner, has quickly risen through the ranks and established himself as a key player in Bangladesh’s Test squad. At just 25 years old, Mehidy has already picked up 151 wickets in 39 Test matches, with a best innings figure of 7/58. He has shown great control, variation, and maturity beyond his years. One of his notable achievements was taking a 10-wicket haul in a Test match against the West Indies in 2018, becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to accomplish this feat. Apart from his bowling exploits, Mehidy has also contributed with the bat, scoring 1245 runs, including one century and four half-centuries.
4. Mohammad Rafique: The Trailblazer
Mohammad Rafique, a former captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, played a critical role during the early years of Bangladesh’s Test journey. A skilled left-arm spinner, Rafique played 33 Test matches and claimed 100 wickets. His best bowling figures of 6/77 showcased his ability to trouble batsmen with his precise and deliberate deliveries. Rafique’s contributions were not limited to his bowling prowess; he also showcased his batting skills, amassing 1059 runs with one century and four half-centuries. His impact on Bangladesh’s Test cricket cannot be overstated, as he laid the foundation for future spinners to thrive.
5. Mashrafe Mortaza: The Limited-Overs Specialist
While primarily known for his exploits in limited-overs cricket, Mashrafe Mortaza also made valuable contributions to Bangladesh’s Test team. As a right-arm fast bowler, Mashrafe possessed the ability to generate pace, swing the ball, and extract bounce. In his Test career spanning 36 matches, he claimed 78 wickets, with a best-match figure of 4/60. Despite being plagued by injuries, Mashrafe showcased his determination and skill whenever he took the field. He also showcased his batting abilities, scoring three half-centuries. Though his Test career was relatively short, his contributions were significant in Bangladesh’s development as a Test-playing nation.
Conclusion:
These five bowlers exemplify the bowling heritage of Bangladesh in Test cricket. Their performances have not only elevated the team’s success but have also inspired a new generation of cricketers. The journey of Bangladesh cricket in the Test format continues, and they strive to establish themselves as a major force in international cricket.
List of Most Wickets for Bangladesh in Test cricket.
| Player | Matches | Overs | Balls | WKTS | Avg | Runs | 4-Fers | 5-Fers |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 66 | 2,462 | 14,775 | 233 | 31 | 7,237 | 10 | 19 |
| Taijul Islam | 42 | 1,903 | 11,417 | 177 | 32 | 5,695 | 11 | 11 |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 39 | 1,618 | 9,710 | 151 | 33 | 5,049 | 6 | 9 |
| Mohammad Rafique | 33 | 1,457 | 8,744 | 100 | 41 | 4,076 | 3 | 7 |
| Mashrafe Mortaza | 36 | 998 | 5,990 | 78 | 42 | 3,239 | 4 | 0 |
| Shahadat Hossain | 38 | 896 | 5,380 | 72 | 52 | 3,731 | 2 | 4 |
| Enamul Haque jnr | 15 | 591 | 3,549 | 44 | 41 | 1,787 | 0 | 3 |
| Mahmudullah | 50 | 570 | 3,423 | 43 | 46 | 1,958 | 0 | 1 |
| Ebadot Hossain | 20 | 553 | 3,317 | 42 | 47 | 1,980 | 2 | 1 |
| Sohag Gazi | 10 | 525 | 3,151 | 38 | 42 | 1,598 | 1 | 2 |
| Tapash Baisya | 21 | 562 | 3,376 | 36 | 59 | 2,137 | 1 | 0 |
| Rubel Hossain | 27 | 704 | 4,223 | 36 | 77 | 2,764 | 0 | 1 |
| Nayeem Hasan | 8 | 273 | 1,640 | 31 | 27 | 840 | 1 | 3 |
| Mustafizur Rahman | 15 | 357 | 2,145 | 31 | 37 | 1,139 | 2 | 0 |
| Abu Jayed | 13 | 327 | 1,964 | 30 | 37 | 1,118 | 3 | 0 |
| Taskin Ahmed | 13 | 410 | 2,461 | 30 | 52 | 1,545 | 3 | 0 |
| Manjural Islam | 17 | 495 | 2,970 | 28 | 57 | 1,605 | 0 | 1 |
| Abdur Razzak | 13 | 502 | 3,015 | 28 | 60 | 1,673 | 1 | 0 |
| Robiul Islam | 9 | 310 | 1,860 | 25 | 40 | 992 | 0 | 2 |
| Khaled Ahmed | 12 | 324 | 1,944 | 21 | 55 | 1,152 | 1 | 1 |
| Mohammad Ashraful | 61 | 289 | 1,733 | 21 | 61 | 1,271 | 0 | 0 |
| Enamul Haque | 10 | 371 | 2,230 | 18 | 57 | 1,027 | 2 | 0 |
| Shafiul Islam | 11 | 289 | 1,734 | 17 | 55 | 942 | 0 | 0 |
| Jubair Hossain | 6 | 119 | 715 | 16 | 31 | 493 | 0 | 1 |
| Shoriful Islam | 7 | 169 | 1,014 | 15 | 35 | 521 | 0 | 0 |
| Talha Jubair | 7 | 181 | 1,090 | 14 | 55 | 771 | 0 | 0 |
| Khaled Mahmud | 12 | 270 | 1,620 | 13 | 64 | 832 | 1 | 0 |
| Mushfiqur Rahman | 10 | 227 | 1,365 | 13 | 63 | 823 | 1 | 0 |
| Naimur Rahman | 8 | 220 | 1,321 | 12 | 60 | 718 | 0 | 1 |
| Elias Sunny | 4 | 144 | 863 | 12 | 43 | 518 | 0 | 1 |
| Syed Rasel | 6 | 146 | 879 | 12 | 48 | 573 | 1 | 0 |
| Al-Amin Hossain | 7 | 169 | 1,016 | 9 | 61 | 545 | 0 | 0 |
| Subashis Roy | 4 | 125 | 749 | 9 | 52 | 465 | 0 | 0 |
| Nasir Hossain | 19 | 154 | 924 | 8 | 55 | 443 | 0 | 0 |
| Shuvagata Hom | 8 | 141 | 846 | 8 | 63 | 506 | 0 | 0 |
| Kamrul Islam | 7 | 125 | 750 | 8 | 63 | 504 | 0 | 0 |
| Mominul Haque | 57 | 128 | 770 | 7 | 69 | 482 | 0 | 0 |
| Alok Kapali | 17 | 184 | 1,103 | 6 | 118 | 709 | 0 | 0 |
