Bangladesh secure historic Test victory over Australia in Darwin
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud dismantle top-ranked hosts as Australia suffer embarrassing defeat under Darwin heat
Bangladesh have secured their first-ever Test cricket victory on Australian soil, defeating the top-ranked hosts by nine wickets in the opening match of the series in Darwin. The result, described by commentators as one of the most embarrassing defeats in Australia’s Test history, ends a long-standing drought for the visitors, who have not played a five-day series in the country since a 2-0 defeat in 2003.
The match was driven by a dominant bowling performance from Bangladesh, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking five wickets for 66 in the second innings to dismiss Australia for 284. His efforts were complemented by seamer Hasan Mahmud, who was named player of the match after claiming nine wickets across the two innings. Australia’s only previous Test loss to Bangladesh occurred in Mirpur in 2017, making this victory a significant milestone in the nation’s 26-year history in Test cricket.
Despite a valiant century from Cameron Green, who scored 104, Australia struggled to contain the visitors’ spin attack. Green’s knock was dismissed by Mahmud, effectively ending Australia’s hopes of saving the Test. Captain Pat Cummins, who was caught for eight by Miraz, acknowledged the superiority of the opposition, stating that Bangladesh outplayed them in all facets and were patient and disciplined throughout the contest.
Bangladesh’s first innings total of 426 provided a substantial foundation, bolstered by centuries from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and contributions from Miraz, who scored 65 with the bat. In their chase, Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 30 to seal the victory, cutting Beau Webster to the boundary for the winning runs. The win was celebrated as the biggest victory for Bangladesh in any format by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
The series continues with the second Test scheduled to begin on 22 August. The match took place under soaring heat conditions in Darwin, which contributed to the challenging environment for the Australian side. BBC Sport reported the result as one of the greatest upsets in Test cricket history, highlighting the structural shift in the contest as Bangladesh maintained control from the outset.
