Bangladesh Achieves Historic Test Victory Over Australia in Darwin
Bangladesh Makes History
On Sunday, Bangladesh made a remarkable achievement by defeating Australia by nine wickets in Darwin, marking their inaugural Test win on Australian soil. This victory came in just three matches, making Bangladesh the fastest Asian team to reach this milestone, surpassing Pakistan, who achieved their first win in Australia after seven Tests. India's first Test victory in Australia occurred in their twelfth match, while Sri Lanka has yet to secure a win in 15 encounters.
A Victory of Milestones
This nine-wicket win is also Bangladesh's second-largest Test victory by wickets, following their 10-wicket triumph over Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2024. The win in Darwin represents a significant milestone for Bangladesh, being only their second Test victory in a SENA country (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), with their first occurring against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in 2022.
Moreover, this victory ended Australia's long-standing dominance at home against Asian teams, as they had not lost a home Test to any Asian side other than India since 1995. This win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Match Summary
In the match, Australia was bowled out for 198 in their first innings and managed 284 in their second, setting Bangladesh a target of 57 runs. The visitors successfully chased down the target, with Mominul Haque remaining unbeaten on 30 and Shadman Islam not out on 25.
Bangladesh's Dominant First Innings
Bangladesh established a solid foundation for their victory with a first-innings total of 426. Tanzid Hasan scored his maiden Test century with 101 runs, while Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 84 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a crucial 65. Australia's Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler, taking six wickets for 89 runs, but Bangladesh's significant lead put pressure on the hosts.
Australia's First Innings Struggle
In their first innings, Australia faced difficulties, getting dismissed for 198 runs. Steve Smith provided some resistance with a score of 71, but Hasan Mahmud's impressive six-wicket haul for just 55 runs helped Bangladesh restrict the hosts.
Australia's Second Innings and Final Chase
Australia showed more determination in their second innings, with Cameron Green scoring 104 and Steve Smith adding 44 runs. However, Bangladesh's bowlers maintained control, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking five wickets for 56 runs and Hasan Mahmud claiming three for 66, leading to Australia's dismissal for 284.