Bangladesh off-spinner Nayeem Hasan made a significant impact on the third day of the opening Test against West Indies in Mirpur, taking four wickets to help Bangladesh secure a 27-run advantage in the first innings. Selected as the third specialist spinner behind Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, Nayeem had limited opportunities early in the match but capitalized on his chance when it arrived.

On the first day of West Indies’ innings, Nayeem was introduced only in the 25th over and bowled three overs, after which he waited another 21 overs before returning to the attack. He created two close chances soon after resuming, one of which was missed when Mominul Haque dropped West Indies captain Roston Chase at short leg. Ultimately, Nayeem broke through just before lunch by dismissing Justin Greaves leg-before wicket, ending a 51-run partnership for the sixth wicket. He then took the remaining three wickets quickly after the interval, helping bowl the visitors out for 245.

Nayeem’s performance was a reminder of his potential despite frequently being overshadowed by Miraz, Taijul, and previously, the experienced Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh’s spin lineup. His limited role has been evident in recent matches, including the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, where he bowled a combined 24 overs across two innings without taking a wicket, compared to Miraz and Taijul’s 123 overs between them in a drawn game.

After the day’s play, Nayeem credited Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for encouraging him and maintaining his confidence despite limited bowling opportunities. He also recalled Miraz’s lighthearted motivation during the lunch break, with the senior all-rounder urging them to share wicket-taking duties.

Nayeem’s four-wicket haul marked his 50th wicket in Test cricket, making him the quickest Bangladeshi spinner to reach the milestone in terms of balls bowled (2,856) since his debut eight years ago against West Indies in Chattogram, where he took five wickets. Despite the achievement, Nayeem acknowledged the captain’s responsibility to choose the best bowlers for the team and accepted the pace of his progress was largely beyond his control.

For a bowler who often waits patiently in the background, Nayeem Hasan’s performance in Mirpur offered a clear example of the impact he can make with sustained opportunities in the spinner-friendly conditions.