Taijul Islam vs Shakib Al Hasan: Decoding their Test stats
What's the story
Bangladeshi spinner Taijul Islam has become the highest wicket-taker for his country in Test cricket. He achieved this milestone during the ongoing second Test against Ireland at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. Taijul, who took four wickets for 76 runs in the 2nd innings, became the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh with his 1st wicket in the 4th innings. He ended Day 4 with 3/55 from 20 overs. Taijul has the chance of getting to 250 Test scalps on Sunday.
Record-breaking feat
Taijul surpasses Shakib Al Hasan's record
Taijul's first breakthrough in the second innings came when he dismissed Ireland opener Andrew Balbirnie. This wicket made him the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan. Earlier, Taijul equaled Shakib's tally of 246 wickets in the 2nd innings with a stunning four-fer. Ireland finished Day 4 on 176/6 and need another 333 runs to win the 2nd Test match.
Wicket-taker list
Bangladesh's top wicket-takers in Test cricket
Taijul, Shakib, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are the only three Bangladeshi bowlers with over 200 Test wickets. Mehidy is third on the list with 209 wickets. The top five highest wicket-takers for Bangladesh in Test cricket are: Taijul (249 wickets), Shakib (246 wickets), Mehidy (209 wickets), Mohammad Rafique (100 wickets), and Mashrafe Mortaza (78 wickets).
Comparison
Taijul vs Shakib in Tests: Decoding their bowling stats
In 57 Tests, Taijul now owns 249 wickets from 102 innings at an average of 30.98. He has 13 four-fers, 17 five-wicket hauls and two match hauls of 10 wickets. On the other hand, Shakib played 71 Tests for Bangladesh. In 121 innings, the left-arm spinner bagged 246 wickets at 31.72. As per ESPNcricinfo, he claimed 11 four-fers, 19 fifers and two match hauls of 10 wickets.