Bangladesh achieves first Test victory in Australia with dominant nine-wicket win
Historic Win in Darwin
Bangladesh has achieved a significant milestone in its cricketing history, securing its first-ever Test victory on Australian soil. The team triumphed over Australia by nine wickets in the series opener held in Darwin.
The win adds to Bangladesh‘s growing list of notable Test successes, which includes victories against Pakistan, New Zealand, England, and West Indies. This particular match saw a dominant performance from the visiting side, setting a new benchmark for Bangladesh in Test cricket.
Australia, batting first, was bowled out for 198 in their initial innings. Hasan Mahmud played a pivotal role in this early success, claiming a six-wicket haul that significantly impacted Australia‘s batting lineup. Bangladesh then capitalised on this advantage, posting a substantial total of 426 in their first innings. This strong batting display established a commanding 228-run lead for Bangladesh.
During Bangladesh‘s first innings, Tanzid Hasan scored a century, providing a solid foundation. Contributions also came from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto, both of whom contributed half-centuries. These collective efforts ensured Bangladesh built a significant lead, putting pressure on the home side.
Key Performances and Decisive Moments
The momentum continued in Australia‘s second innings, where Bangladesh‘s bowlers once again took control, dismissing the hosts for 284. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was a standout performer, securing a five-wicket haul in this innings. Hasan Mahmud further contributed with three additional wickets, bringing his total for the match to nine wickets. These bowling performances were crucial in limiting Australia‘s score and setting a manageable target for Bangladesh.
With only 57 runs required for victory, Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target on the fourth day, sealing a comprehensive nine-wicket win. This victory not only marked their first Test win in Australia but also highlighted the team’s growing strength in the longer format of the game.
This recent triumph in Darwin follows other significant victories for Bangladesh. In 2017, Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory over Australia in Mirpur, winning by 20 runs. In that match, Shakib Al Hasan was a key player, scoring 84 runs and taking a five-wicket haul in Australia‘s first innings. Tamim Iqbal also contributed significantly with scores of 71 and 78.
In 2022, Bangladesh achieved another historic win, defeating New Zealand by eight wickets in Mount Maunganui. This victory was particularly notable as they stunned the then-ICC World Test Champions. Ebadot Hossain delivered a sensational six-wicket haul in New Zealand‘s second innings, which was instrumental in setting up the win.
Recent Successes and Milestones
Bangladesh also made history in 2024 during their tour of Pakistan, where they secured their first-ever Test victory against their Asian rivals. This was a 10-wicket win in the first Test in Rawalpindi, a margin that was also a first for Bangladesh in Test cricket. Mushfiqur Rahim scored a magnificent 191 in Bangladesh‘s first innings, while Shadman Islam contributed 93. Mominul Haque, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also scored half-centuries.
In that Rawalpindi Test, Bangladesh posted 565 in their first innings, taking a 117-run lead. Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed four wickets and Shakib Al Hasan took three wickets in Pakistan‘s second innings, leading to Pakistan being dismissed for 174. Bangladesh then chased down the required 30 runs without losing a wicket. This momentum carried into the second Test, resulting in a 2-0 series triumph over Pakistan.
Another significant achievement includes Bangladesh‘s first overseas Test victory in 2009 against West Indies in Kingstown, where they won by 95 runs. In 2016, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, then a teenager, took 12 wickets in the match against England in Dhaka, securing a series-levelling victory. These performances underscore Bangladesh‘s consistent efforts to establish itself as a competitive force in Test cricket.
The recent victory in Darwin further solidifies Bangladesh‘s growing reputation in the sport, adding another memorable chapter to their Test history. The team’s strong bowling and batting displays against Australia in Darwin culminated in a nine-wicket win.
Source: icc-cricket.com
