Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan etched his name into cricketing history today in Chattogram, becoming the first fielder from a Test-playing nation to take five catches in a single T20 International innings. His outstanding fielding display came against Ireland, as each of the last five Irish batsmen were dismissed through catches taken by the young left-hander.
Tanzid’s achievement places him in a very exclusive group, now sharing the world record with only two other players in the history of T20Is: Mohamed Waadaga Malinda of the Maldives and Sediq Sahak of Sweden. Until today, no Bangladeshi fielder had ever managed more than three catches in an international T20 match.
Malinda first set the benchmark during the T20 World Cup qualifiers in Doha in 2023, taking five catches against Qatar. A year later, in September, Sweden’s Sediq Sahak matched the feat during their tour of the Isle of Man. Now, Tanzid becomes the third man to join this elite list and the first from a major cricketing nation.
How Tanzid Made History
Tanzid’s exceptional fielding awareness was evident throughout the afternoon. Four of his five catches came in the long-on region, showcasing his judgment, positioning and athleticism. His first catch, however, came at backward point, setting the tone for what would become a historic performance.
He began his march towards the record in the 16th over, when he caught Gareth Delany off a delivery by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. In the 18th over, bowled by Mustafizur Rahman, he claimed two more—both belonging to Mark Adair on the third and sixth balls of the over.
Ireland’s collapse continued as George Dockrell also fell to Tanzid’s safe hands in the 19th over. The milestone-equalling moment finally arrived in the last over of the innings when Tanzid caught Ben White, sealing his five-catch record and prompting applause from team-mates, staff and the Chattogram crowd.
A First for Bangladesh
Before today, no Bangladeshi fielder—not counting wicketkeepers—had taken more than three catches in a T20 International. Tanzid now stands atop the list and becomes only the second Bangladeshi player to take five catches in any international innings across formats, following Imrul Kayes, who took five catches in a Test match against New Zealand in Wellington in 2017.
Historically, five catches in an innings is the highest number any non-wicketkeeper has taken in international cricket. A total of 21 fielders worldwide have achieved the milestone across formats, though Australia’s Steven Smith remains unique, having done it twice in Test cricket.
Tanzid’s record is particularly significant given Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to improve fielding standards across all formats. His performance will likely be cited as a benchmark for years to come, especially for younger players coming through the ranks.
Today’s achievement not only highlights Tanzid’s skill but also underlines Bangladesh’s growing focus on athleticism and defensive excellence. For a team often criticised for inconsistent fielding, this historic feat is a timely reminder of the progress being made.
