Bangladesh in driver's seat on first day of Darwin Test

Two decades ago, when Bangladesh played a Test in Australia, the goal was simply to play good cricket. Over 23 years, the gap in strength between the two teams has narrowed significantly. This time, the Tigers crossed the Tasman with the aim of winning. That Bangladesh's new target is far from unrealistic was proven on the very first day. Dominating with both bat and ball on Australian soil, Bangladesh ended the day in the driver's seat. Dismissing Australia for 10 wickets and then wiping off half the deficit with one wicket down — such a day is among the best in Bangladesh's Test history.

After bowling Australia out for just 198 in Darwin, the Tigers also put up a strong resistance with the bat. Bangladesh ended the day on 96 for 1, trailing the hosts' first innings by only 102 runs heading into the second day.

At the start of the day, Australia surrendered helplessly to Bangladesh's pace attack. The hosts lost six wickets for 55 runs to Hasan Mahmud's career-best bowling. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain took two wickets each. All 10 Australian wickets were taken by Bangladesh's pacers.

In Australia's batting, the only notable resistance came from Steven Smith, who anchored one end with a 71-run innings. However, he found little support from the other end. No other Australian batter managed even 25 runs. Their first innings eventually ended on 198 in 53 overs.

Hasan Mahmud was the brightest star for Bangladesh. He became the first Bangladeshi bowler to take five or more wickets in an innings on Australian soil. His career-best figures of 6 for 55 came off 16 overs, while Taskin and Ebadot shared the remaining wickets.

In reply, Tanzid Hasan Tamim got a life early on. He was caught at point while attempting a big shot off Josh Hazlewood, but Nathan Lyon failed to hold on to the chance. After the reprieve, Tanzid took charge alongside Sadman Islam to steady Bangladesh's innings.

The opening stand was broken in the ninth over by Mitchell Starc. A delivery around the off stump took the edge of Sadman's bat and flew to gully, where Nathan Lyon this time held onto the catch. Sadman departed for 20 off 30 balls, including two boundaries.


After Sadman's dismissal, Mominul Haque joined Tanzid at the crease. The two did not allow any further setbacks. They calmly handled the Australian bowlers and gradually seized control of the match. In the third session, Mominul and Tanzid put together an unbroken 60-run stand. At stumps, Tanzid was unbeaten on 32 and Mominul on 35. Bangladesh finished the first day on 96 for 1.