Bangladesh dominate day two in Darwin Test with commanding 153 runs lead

Bangladesh remained firmly in control of the Darwin Test after another strong day with the bat, reaching 351 for six at stumps on Friday (August 14) to take a commanding 153-run first-innings lead over Australia.

The visitors lost three wickets in a late Australian fightback, but Bangladesh’s overall dominance remained the story of the day, with four wickets still in hand heading into the third day.

Tamim was the standout performer, scoring his maiden Test century in only his second match in Australia. His 101 off 197 balls, featuring eight fours and a six, made him the second Bangladeshi batter after Shahriar Nafees to score a Test hundred against Australia. He was eventually caught by Mitchell Starc off Nathan Lyon.

Tamim built the foundation of Bangladesh’s innings with a 36-run opening stand with Shadman Islam, followed by a crucial 102-run partnership with Mominul Haque and a further 93 with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Shanto narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 84 to Josh Hazlewood, with Steve Smith taking the catch at slip. Bangladesh then suffered a brief collapse as Litton Das was dismissed for a duck and Mushfiqur Rahim departed for 36. The trio of Shanto, Litton and Mushfiqur fell within a span of just 11 runs, giving Australia a much-needed opening.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud then steadied the innings, adding an unbeaten 43 for the seventh wicket. Miraz was 32 not out and Hasan 13 at the close.

Bangladesh resumed the day on 96 for one, with Mominul and Tamim both on 35. They added 85 runs in the morning session before Mominul fell for 49. Tamim continued his charge through the second session, reaching his century before departing, as Bangladesh added another 105 runs for the loss of one wicket.

Australia finally gained some momentum in the final session, but Bangladesh’s substantial lead left the hosts facing a steep challenge.

Australia had been bowled out for 198 on the opening day, with Hasan Mahmud claiming a career-best six wickets. Hazlewood and Starc have taken two wickets apiece for Australia, while Pat Cummins and Lyon have claimed one each.