Bangladesh seize early dominance in Darwin Test with Mahmud’s career-best figures
Hasan Mahmud claims six wickets as hosts are bowled out for 198; Bangladesh reach 96-1 at stumps
Bangladesh established a commanding position on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin, dismissing Australia for 198 runs before reaching 96-1 by stumps. The victory on the scoreboard was anchored by Hasan Mahmud, who delivered a career-best bowling performance of 6-55, dismantling the Australian top order and reducing the visitors' first-innings deficit to 102 runs.
The match began with Australia bringing together their frontline attack, known as the Big Four, led by captain Pat Cummins alongside Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. However, the pace bowlers struggled to contain the hosts, who lost their openers early. Jake Weatherald departed for 23 after swiping at Mahmud, while Travis Head was bowled for 22 in the seventh over.
Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain provided crucial support, taking 2-55 and 2-39 respectively. The Australian innings collapsed to 74-4 by lunch, with Cameron Green dismissed for 13. The bowling unit maintained a consistent line and length, exploiting conditions that shifted from a rock-hard surface to one that was tacky and seaming.
Steve Smith offered the primary resistance for Australia, scoring 71 from 109 balls with seven fours and a six. He was the next-to-last batter to fall, top-edging a catch to wicketkeeper Litton Das off Mahmud’s bowling. The left-hander later attributed the team’s slow start to a lack of recent Test cricket, noting the side had not played a Test match for eight months.
Bangladesh’s response was anchored by an unbeaten partnership between Mominal Haque (35) and Tanzid Hasan (32). The pair shared a 60-run stand, leaving the visitors in a strong position with only Shadman Islam having fallen for 20 off Mitchell Starc. This marks Bangladesh’s first Test series in Australia since 2003, with the team looking to build on this early momentum.
