Bangladesh sent shockwaves across the cricketing world when they defeated Australia by nine wickets in the first Test of a two-match series in Darwin on Sunday, August 16. This was Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win in this country, after having failed countless times in the past. It clearly shows that Bangladesh cricket is on the ascendancy, and draws parallels with their stellar whitewash in Pakistan in 2024. They then followed it up with another whitewash of Pakistan at home earlier this year. As for Australia, Bangladesh bowled their opponents out in Darwin for a mere 198 in the first innings, thanks largely to seamer Hasan Mahmud’s 6-55.
In response, Bangladesh batted their hosts out of the game with a mammoth 426 in their first innings. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim was the star for Bangladesh with 101, which was his maiden Test century. Tamim displayed a mix of caution and aggression, letting loose on overpitched and short deliveries, but defending balls directed at the stumps. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also displayed his wares with a well-crafted 84, which came off just 126 deliveries. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 65 while Mominul Haque scored 49. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers with figures of 6-89.
A lot was expected from Australia in the second innings, but they wilted under pressure while trailing the Bangladeshis. Apart from all-rounder Cameron Green, who scored a 201-ball 104, none of the Aussie batters put up a fight, and as a result, the home team were bowled out for a paltry 284. They could take just a 56-run lead in the second innings, giving Bangladesh a paltry target to chase down.
Miraz was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers in the second innings, returning with six wickets, while first-innings hero Mahmud scalped three. In their second innings, Bangladesh wasted no time whatsoever, and despite losing Tamim early, chased down the 57 runs needed within 14.2 overs, with Haque square-cutting a short and wide delivery from Beau Webster for a boundary. With this win, Bangladesh have taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test will be played in Mackay from Saturday, August 22.
