Naseem Shah becomes youngest cricketer to claim a Test hat-trick

Shah removed Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taijul Islam and Mahmudullah with successive deliveries to complete a maiden Test hat-trick and break the previous record, held by Bangladesh spinner Alok Kapali

Scorecard

At the age of 16 years and 359 days, Pakistan seamer Naseem Shah has written himself into the history books by becoming the youngest bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket.

Shah, who picked up one wicket in Bangladesh's first innings, removed Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taijul Islam and Mahmudullah with successive deliveries to complete a maiden Test hat-trick and break the previous record, held by Bangladesh spinner Alok Kapali who took a hat-trick against Pakistan at the age of 17 in 2003.

The 16-year-old, playing just his fourth Test for his country, ended day three with figures of 4 for 26 as Pakistan took firm control of the contest at Rawalpindi. Having built a first-innings lead of 212, the hosts, led by Shah, reduced Bangladesh to 126 for 6 by stumps on the third day.

🗓 16 years, 359 days

Naseem Shah has just become the youngest cricketer to take a Test hat-trick 👏🇵🇰#PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/4WQ37RqbQV

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) February 9, 2020

Shah burst onto the Test scene in November 2019, making his debut against Australia at Brisbane and quickly caught the eye with his raw pace. In December 2019 Shah registered his maiden Test five-for, picking up figures of 5 for 31 against Sri Lanka at Karachi.

In his nascent Test career, Shah has taken 13 wickets at an average of 26.84.

Bangladesh will begin day four trailling by 86 runs with four wickets in hand. Don’t bet against Shah making it two five-fours in his first four Tests.