BAN vs IRE 2025: Taijul Islam surpasses Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh's leading Test wicket-taker

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam achieved a huge feat in Dhaka as he overtook Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh's highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Islam achieved the historic milestone during the second Test against Ireland at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. 

For years, Taijul Islam asked the same question at press conferences about how he compares to or partners with Shakib Al Hasan. From his early days, he was seen as the secondary spinner, operating behind the talismanic all-rounder. But the scenario began to shift after 2017, as Taijul took over the lead role during Shakib’s absences from the format. 

Taijul entered the Dhaka Test tied with Shakib at 246 wickets. With Ireland chasing 509, the moment arrived when Taijul trapped opener Andy Balbirnie lbw in the sixth over of the second innings. The wicket was not only the early breakthrough Bangladesh needed, but also the one that pushed the 32-year-old spinner to the top of the country’s wicket charts. He later dismissed Paul Stirling and Stephen Doheny as Ireland finished Day 4 at 176 for 6. At stumps, Taijul had taken three second-innings wickets, further strengthening his position as the team’s premier bowler.

Bangladesh set huge target for Ireland

The record wicket came after a strong first-innings performance where Taijul took 4 for 76, helping bowl Ireland out for 265 and securing a 211-run lead for Bangladesh. His career numbers now read 249 wickets in 57 Tests, including 17 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh remains on top in the Test match. Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim celebrated his 100th Test with a century, Litton Das smashed 128, and the top order contributed heavily to post 476 in the first innings. Bangladesh then declared at 297 for 4 in the second innings, setting Ireland a near-impossible target of 509.