Hasan, Khaled make their mark in Kent's promotion run

Bangladesh fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed made significant contributions as Kent secured promotion to Division One of the County Championship, returning to the competition's top tier after finishing second in Division Two.

Kent collected 198 points from 14 matches to claim the second promotion spot behind champions Durham. Their promotion was confirmed when third-placed Northamptonshire lost to Middlesex, leaving them seven points behind Kent.

Hasan took 26 wickets in four County Championship matches before being recalled by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to manage his workload ahead of a busy international schedule.

Khaled, who joined Kent later in the campaign, claimed 16 wickets in three matches. His standout performance came against Lancashire, when he took eight wickets in a seven-wicket victory that strengthened Kent's position in the promotion race.

The Bangladesh pair provided an important boost to Kent's bowling attack during the closing stages of the season. Their performances also offered both fast bowlers valuable experience in English conditions.

Kent went on to beat Gloucestershire by eight wickets in their final match, but their promotion had already been secured following Northamptonshire's defeat.

Durham finished the season as Division Two champions, with Kent taking the other promotion place. The top two teams in the second tier move up to Division One, while the bottom two sides in the top tier are relegated.

For Hasan and Khaled, the campaign provided an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in county cricket while contributing to Kent's return to the top division.

Hasan has now returned to Bangladesh for the national team's upcoming international commitments, while Khaled's performances have added to the growing record of Bangladesh fast bowlers making an impact in overseas domestic cricket.