Darwin: Bangladesh produced one of the biggest upsets in their Test cricket history by defeating Australia by nine wickets in Darwin, securing their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil and earning praise from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for what he described as the country’s biggest win in any format.
Chasing just 57 runs for victory in the fourth innings, Bangladesh reached the target for the loss of only one wicket after Australia were bowled out for 284 in their second innings.
The comprehensive result was particularly remarkable because Bangladesh controlled the match from the opening day and bounced back spectacularly after being dismissed for just 54 in a warm-up game against a Cricket Australia XI.
Mehidy Hasan Spins Bangladesh To Historic Victory
Bangladesh’s victory was set up by an outstanding bowling performance, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz causing major problems for Australia’s middle and lower order.
The off-spinner finished with five wickets for 66 runs, removing Alex Carey, Beau Webster and captain Pat Cummins before lunch on the fourth day. He completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Nathan Lyon leg before wicket, bringing Australia’s second innings to an end at 284.
Bangladesh’s bowlers had also made an early impact in Australia’s first innings, dismissing the hosts for just 198. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was particularly impressive, claiming six wickets for 55 runs.
Cameron Green’s Century Could Not Save Australia
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green provided the biggest resistance with a determined century.
Green scored 104 runs, registering his third Test hundred, and attempted to keep Australia’s hopes alive with a composed innings after the hosts slipped into serious trouble.
However, wickets continued to fall around him, and Bangladesh eventually wrapped up the innings after lunch.
Australia’s second-innings collapse followed an unconvincing first innings in which several batters struggled to deal with Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.
Tanzid Hasan Leads Bangladesh’s Batting Charge
Bangladesh also impressed with the bat, posting a commanding 426 in their first innings.
Young opener Tanzid Hasan played a crucial role by scoring his maiden Test century, making 101 in only his second Test appearance.
Bangladesh combined patience with controlled aggression throughout their innings and capitalised on Australia’s fielding mistakes. The hosts dropped five catches, further strengthening the visitors’ position.
Australia Face Selection Questions Ahead Of Second Test
The defeat has raised questions over Australia’s batting line-up ahead of the second Test in Mackay, beginning Saturday.
Openers Jake Weatherald and No. 3 batter Marnus Labuschagne endured disappointing performances, while a series of loose dismissals during the second innings prevented Australia from mounting a serious comeback.
The result also adds pressure on Australia’s players after Bangladesh dominated virtually every phase of the match.
Bangladesh Celebrate Landmark Australian Victory
For Bangladesh, the win represents a landmark moment in the country’s Test cricket history.
Shanto said the result would bring happiness to millions of passionate Bangladeshi cricket fans and expressed hope that the team could build on the historic achievement.
Bangladesh will now look to carry their momentum into the second Test, while Australia will be under pressure to respond quickly and level the series on home soil.
