DARWIN: Bangladesh have produced one of the biggest results in their Test history, defeating Australia by nine wickets in Darwin on Sunday to register their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
Chasing a modest target of 57, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side completed the formalities in just 14.2 overs, finishing on 57 for one. Mominul Haque struck the winning boundary as Bangladesh sealed a remarkable victory over the world’s top-ranked Test side.
The result was set up by a superb all-round performance from Bangladesh, who controlled the contest with both bat and ball from the opening day. Australia were dismissed for only 198 in their first innings after Hasan Mahmud produced a career-best 6/55.
Bangladesh then turned that advantage into a commanding first-innings lead. Tanzid Hasan Tamim became the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia, making 101, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 65 as the visitors posted 426. Australia consequently went into their second innings 228 runs behind.
The hosts needed a major response with the bat, and Cameron Green provided it. The all-rounder fought back with a determined 104, keeping Australia’s hopes alive deep into the fourth day.
But Bangladesh’s bowlers refused to let the opportunity slip. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took five wickets for 66 runs, while Hasan Mahmud added three more wickets in the second innings. Australia were eventually bowled out for 284, leaving Bangladesh with only 57 runs to win.
Bangladesh lost only one wicket during the chase, with Tanzid falling after his earlier century, before Mominul and the remaining batters completed the job. The nine-wicket margin underlined just how thoroughly the visitors had controlled the Test.
For Hasan Mahmud, the match was particularly memorable. His 6/55 in the opening innings followed by three wickets in the second gave him nine wickets in the match and earned him the Player of the Match award.
The victory also carries added significance because Bangladesh had waited 23 years to return to Australia for a Test series. This is only the country’s second Test series in Australia, following their previous visit in 2003.
The manner of the victory makes the achievement even more significant. Bangladesh did not rely on a single outstanding performance; instead, their fast bowlers struck early, their batters built a substantial first-innings advantage and their spin attack completed the job when Australia attempted a fightback.
For Australia, the defeat raises questions about a batting line-up that struggled against Bangladesh’s disciplined attack. The hosts’ first-innings collapse left them under pressure from the outset, and although Green’s century delayed the inevitable in the second innings, Bangladesh maintained control until the final runs were scored.
The teams will now move to Mackay for the second Test, with Australia facing the challenge of responding after a defeat that has given Bangladesh a historic 1-0 lead in the series. Cricket Australia’s official schedule lists the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena from August 22 to 26.
