Bangladesh produced one of the biggest results in their Test history by defeating Australia by nine wickets in the first Test at Darwin. The victory was their first-ever Test win on Australian soil. The Tigers dominated after Australia were bowled out for 198 in their first innings. Hasan Mahmud led the attack with six wickets, while Steve Smith’s 71 provided the hosts’ only major resistance. Bangladesh responded with 426, taking a commanding 228-run first-innings lead.
Tanzid Hasan became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century in Australia, making a memorable 101. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also delivered a superb all-round performance, scoring 65 before taking five wickets in Australia’s second innings. The hosts were eventually dismissed for 284, despite Cameron Green’s fighting 104. That left Bangladesh with only 57 runs to win. The visitors reached the target for the loss of one wicket in just 14.2 overs. Hasan Mahmud was named Player of the Match after finishing with nine wickets.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto described the triumph as Bangladesh’s biggest victory in any format. The historic result also puts Bangladesh 1-0 ahead in the two-Test series.
“Very happy and proud”: Najmul Hossain Shanto reflects on Bangladesh’s historic Test victory in Australia
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed immense pride after becoming the first Bangladesh captain to lead his team to a Test victory on Australian soil. The Tigers defeated Australia by nine wickets in Darwin, completing one of the biggest wins in their Test history. Speaking about the achievement, the composed skipper said, “Yeah, very happy and proud of myself and the way boys played, really proud of that. And we did a lot of hard work and really happy to win with this side.” The historic victory also gave Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The influential captain also highlighted a major change in Bangladesh’s Test cricket approach. He credited the increased opportunities for fast bowlers and the encouragement provided by senior players. “Yeah, obviously I think that is the biggest change in Bangladesh cricket in Test format. Normally in five, six years before, the pace bowlers didn't want to play Test cricket because we didn't get enough chance to play Test cricket,” he said. He added, “But last two, three years we've been playing a lot of Test matches and boys are getting importance in the Test format. So they now want to play and they want to perform because they want to be world class.”
