Bangladesh seize dominance in Darwin as Tanzid Hasan etches history

Bangladesh have established a formidable position in the first Test against Australia, closing Day Two in Darwin on 351-6. The visitors lead by 153 runs with four wickets remaining, capitalising on a historic innings by opener Tanzid Hasan, who became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test century on Australian soil.

Hasan’s 101 runs off 197 balls, including eight fours and a six off Nathan Lyon, provided the foundation for the tourists’ dominance. His patient and resilient knock was supported by a 102-run second-wicket partnership with Mominul Haque, who contributed 49, and a 93-run stand with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Shanto provided crucial support with an unbeaten 84, accelerating the scoring rate after Hasan’s dismissal. However, the introduction of the second new ball allowed the Australian attack to regain momentum. The tourists lost Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das in quick succession, all caught at second slip by Steve Smith.

Australia were dismissed for 198 on the opening day, with Bangladesh bowler Hasan Mahmud taking a career-best 6-55. The reunion of Australia’s so-called Big Four—pacemen Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, alongside veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon—has so far been blunted, with the visiting batters frustrating the hosts in the warm, tropical conditions.

Mehidy Hassan Miraz (32) and Hasan Mahmud (13) shared an unbroken 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket to get Bangladesh to stumps. Tensions flared during the day when Starc was involved in a heated exchange with Miraz, who nearly collided with the bowler during his follow-through. Umpires intervened as Starc told Miraz to get off the wicket.

The series opener in Darwin marks the start of a demanding 12-month schedule for Australia, which includes 20 Test matches. This is Bangladesh’s first Test match on Australian soil since 2003, and their disciplined batting has set the stage for a challenging period for the home side.