Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam has etched his name into the nation's cricketing history by surpassing former Captain Shakib Al Hasan to become the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket for the country. The milestone was achieved during the ongoing first Test match against South Africa at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, where Taijul claimed his 228th Test wicket on November 22, 2025.
The 32-year-old left-arm orthodox bowler dismissed South African opener Aiden Markram in the first innings, edging out Shakib's long-standing record of 227 wickets, a feat that had stood since the all-rounder's retirement from the format in 2023. This accomplishment not only highlights Taijul's consistency but also underscores the depth of Bangladesh's spin bowling resources in home conditions.
Taijul's journey to the top has been marked by resilience and dedication, having debuted in 2014 against Zimbabwe in Chittagong. Over the course of his career, he has played 42 Tests, maintaining an impressive average of 29.73 and a strike rate of 63.3, with his best figures of 8/134 achieved against the West Indies in 2018. The spinner's success is particularly notable in home tests, where he has exploited the turning tracks to great effect, contributing to several memorable victories for Bangladesh.
His record-breaking wicket came in South Africa's first innings, where the visitors were struggling at 140 for 6, putting Bangladesh in a commanding position on day three of the match. Taijul expressed his emotions post-session, stating that overtaking Shakib—a player he idolized—was a dream come true and a tribute to his hard work over the years.
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Shakib Al Hasan, widely regarded as Bangladesh's greatest all-rounder, had held the record since amassing 227 wickets at an average of 31.11 across 66 tests from 2007 to 2021. His departure from international cricket left a void, but Taijul's emergence as the new frontrunner reflects the generational shift in the team's bowling attack. Other notable Bangladeshi bowlers, such as Mushfiqur Rahim with 55 wickets and Mohammad Rafique with 100, trail far behind, emphasizing the dominance of these two spinners in the Test arena. The current series against South Africa, part of the World Test Championship cycle, adds further significance, as Bangladesh aims to build on their strong home record—winning 18 of 41 Tests played on home soil—to climb the ICC rankings.
As the Test progresses, Taijul's milestone serves as inspiration for young cricketers in Bangladesh, a country that has transformed from Test minnows to a competitive force since gaining full ICC membership in 2000. With the match poised for an intriguing finish, Bangladesh supporters are optimistic about a series sweep, which could bolster their campaign in the championship. Taijul's achievement reaffirms the vital role of spin in subcontinental cricket and cements his legacy as a cornerstone of the national team's success.
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