Darwin, Aug 16 (Alliance News): Bangladesh secured a landmark nine-wicket victory over Australia in the series opener in Darwin on Sunday, recording their first-ever Test win on Australian soil in one of the biggest upsets in the history of Test cricket.
Chasing a modest target of 57 runs, Bangladesh reached the total for the loss of just one wicket. Mominul Haque struck Beau Webster through the off side for the winning runs, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Bangladesh players.
The victory is being regarded as one of the finest achievements in Bangladesh’s 26-year Test history, particularly after defeating the world’s top-ranked Test side in its own backyard.
Bangladesh dominated Australia with bat, ball and in the field throughout the match. Australia were dismissed for 198 in their first innings, while Bangladesh responded with 426 to establish a commanding lead.
Opener Tanzid Hasan played a crucial role with a magnificent 101, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 65 runs and later delivered a decisive bowling performance.
Australia resumed their second innings on 161 for four but were eventually bowled out for 284, leaving Bangladesh with only 57 runs to win.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was instrumental in Australia’s collapse, claiming four wickets on the final day. He dismissed Alex Carey for 30, Beau Webster for five and Australia captain Pat Cummins for eight before completing the innings by trapping Nathan Lyon lbw for 15.
Cameron Green provided Australia with their strongest resistance, scoring a determined 104 for his third Test century and first on home soil. However, he was bowled by Hasan Mahmud shortly after reaching his century, ending Australia’s hopes of setting a challenging target.
Hasan Mahmud also played a major role in the victory, finishing with nine wickets in the match.
Bangladesh’s victory came 23 years after Australia last hosted them for a Test series. Australia had won their previous series between the sides 2-0 in 2003.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team showed remarkable determination throughout the match, dominating the hosts in almost every session and producing a historic result that gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
