Taijul Islam Becomes Bangladesh's Test Wickets King, Surpassing Shakib

Bangladesh is just four wickets away from completing a series sweep against Ireland. At the end of the fourth day, the visitors finished with a score of 176 for 6 while chasing an unlikely target of 509, with Taijul having claimed three wickets in the innings up to this point. Taijul Islam, the unassuming left-arm spinner, has achieved a monumental milestone by surpassing Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh's all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket.

The record-breaking wicket came during Ireland's chase on the fourth day of the Dhaka Test. In the sixth over, Taijul bowled a slightly quicker delivery that trapped Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie leg before wicket. After a review confirmed the decision, Taijul's celebration was notably restrained a brief clenched-fist run followed by a polite refusal of Mushfiqur Rahim's attempt to pick him up.

Taijul now rightfully wears the crown of Bangladesh's best Test bowler, previously held by Mohammad Rafique (the first to 100 wickets) and Shakib Al Hasan (the first to 200 wickets).

Despite the achievement, Taijul stated he never targeted records but simply aimed for a long career. He expressed an understanding of what's required at the highest level and mentioned that he doesn't enjoy the "underrated" tag, attributing it mainly to the media.

Despite often playing second fiddle to Shakib and frequently having to prove his worth to selectors, Taijul is described as a reliable and tireless bowler. Seven of his 17 five-wicket hauls and one of his two ten-wicket hauls have contributed directly to Bangladesh's Test wins.

His greatest performance is cited as his 10 for 184 in Bangladesh's win against New Zealand in Sylhet in 2023. Taijul effectively took on the mantle of the lead spinner in 2017 when Shakib became irregular in Tests. Ten of his five-fors have come in the last five years, a period marked by more Tests and fewer appearances from Shakib.