Bangladesh defeated Australia by nine wickets in the first Test in Darwin, recording their first-ever Test victory in Australia and one of the biggest results in the country’s cricket history.
Bangladesh produced one of the most remarkable upsets in recent Test cricket history, defeating Australia by nine wickets at Marrara Stadium in Darwin to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The victory, completed on the fourth day, was Bangladesh’s first Test win on Australian soil and only their second Test victory over Australia. Their previous success against the Australians came at home in Dhaka in 2017.
Set a modest target of 57 after dismissing Australia for 284 in their second innings, Bangladesh reached 57 for one, with Mominul Haque unbeaten on 30 and Shadman Islam finishing on 25 not out. Josh Hazlewood claimed the only wicket, removing first-innings centurion Tanzid Hasan for a duck.
Source: ESPNcricinfo
Hasan Mahmud Sets the Tone
Bangladesh’s victory was built on an outstanding bowling performance from Hasan Mahmud, who dismantled Australia’s batting line-up in the first innings.
Australia, after winning the toss, were bowled out for just 198, with Hasan taking six wickets. He finished the match with figures of 9 for 111, earning the Player of the Match award.
The visitors then seized control with the bat.
Opener Tanzid Hasan struck a memorable 101, becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century in Australia. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 84, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz added an important 65 as Bangladesh posted 426, establishing a commanding first-innings lead of 228 runs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz Spins Australia Into Trouble
Australia showed greater resistance in the second innings but were unable to erase Bangladesh’s advantage.
Cameron Green led the fightback with a determined 104, his first Test century on home soil. However, Bangladesh continued to make regular breakthroughs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz emerging as the key figure.
The off-spinner claimed five wickets as Australia were dismissed for 284, leaving Bangladesh just 57 runs to complete a landmark victory.
Green’s century ultimately proved insufficient as Bangladesh comfortably completed the chase during the second session on Day Four.
A Landmark Moment for Bangladesh Cricket
The scale of the result makes it particularly significant.
Bangladesh entered the series with a difficult overseas Test record, while Australia had appeared in the previous two ICC World Test Championship finals and had won 18 of their previous 23 Tests heading into the Darwin encounter.
Yet Bangladesh controlled the match from the opening day, outperforming Australia with both bat and ball and rarely allowing the home side to regain momentum.
The result adds another chapter to Bangladesh’s growing collection of landmark away victories, including their famous Test win over New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in 2022 and their historic 2-0 series victory in Pakistan in 2024.
Australia Face Questions After Shock Defeat
For Australia, the defeat will prompt questions over their batting after totals of 198 and 284 in home conditions.
Green’s century was one of the few major positives, while Australia’s experienced bowling attack struggled to contain Bangladesh during their first innings.
The loss also gives added significance to the second and final Test, with Bangladesh now having the opportunity to secure a historic series victory in Australia.
The second Test is scheduled to take place at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22 to 26.
Match Summary
Australia: 198 & 284
Bangladesh: 426 & 57/1
Bangladesh won by nine wickets
Player of the Match: Hasan Mahmud – 9 wickets in the match
