Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets in Darwin on Sunday, securing their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil in a landmark triumph.
Chasing just 57 for victory after Australia were bowled out for 284 in their second innings, Bangladesh reached 57-1 in 14.2 overs. Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 30 off 39 balls, while Shadman Islam was not out on 25 off 42.
The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for Bangladesh, who had been comprehensively beaten by a Cricket Australia XI in their only warm-up match. But once the Test began, the visitors quickly put that setback behind them and took control of the contest.
Hasan Mahmud set the tone on the opening day with a career-best 6-55, helping Bangladesh dismiss Australia for just 198.
Bangladesh then responded with a commanding 426. Tanzid Hasan scored a historic 101, becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to hit a Test century in Australia, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto added 84. The total gave Bangladesh a massive 228-run first-innings lead.
Australia fought back through Josh Hazlewood, who claimed 6-89 and completed 300 Test wickets, but Bangladesh retained the upper hand.
In the second innings, Australia struggled under sustained pressure from the Bangladesh attack. Steve Smith was dismissed for 44 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while Marnus Labuschagne fell for 31.
Cameron Green kept Australia’s hopes alive with a determined 104, but Miraz eventually finished the job with 5-66, while Hasan Mahmud added three wickets as Australia were bowled out for 284.
That left Bangladesh needing only 57 runs for victory.
Hazlewood briefly raised hopes of a dramatic twist by removing Tanzid early, but Mominul and Shadman remained composed to complete the chase in 14.2 overs.
The triumph marks a historic moment for Bangladesh, who had never previously won a Test in Australia. It was a complete team performance, with Hasan Mahmud’s incisive bowling, Tanzid’s historic century and Miraz’s all-round brilliance proving decisive.
After struggling in the warm-up, Bangladesh have now produced a stunning victory on one of Test cricket’s toughest stages—one that will rank among the finest achievements in their cricketing history.
FP/R
