Bangladesh secure second Test win in SENA countries

Bangladesh have added another significant milestone to their Test history, with their historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin giving them a second Test win on SENA soil.

SENA—an acronym for South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia—represents four of the strongest Test nations. Bangladesh had previously won just one Test in the region, against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in 2022. Their victory in Darwin on Sunday (August 16) marked their second success on SENA territory and their first against Australia on Australian soil.

The Mount Maunganui triumph ended New Zealand's 17-match unbeaten run at home and was Bangladesh's first Test victory in a SENA country. Four years later, the Darwin win has added Australia to the list.

Bangladesh's record in SENA countries, however, remains modest. Before the ongoing Australia tour, they had played 25 Tests across Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa, winning only once. By comparison, India have recorded 31 Test victories in SENA countries, Pakistan 28 and Sri Lanka nine.

The significance of Bangladesh's latest achievement is heightened by Australia's formidable home record. India remain the only Asian side to have won a Test series in Australia, achieving the feat in 2018-19 before retaining the title on their next tour. Pakistan's most recent Test victory in Australia came in 1995, while Sri Lanka are still searching for their first.

Bangladesh's Darwin success therefore represents more than another entry in the record books. Coming after their breakthrough in Mount Maunganui, it suggests the Tigers are becoming increasingly capable of competing—and winning—against elite opposition away from home.

England and South Africa remain the two SENA nations where Bangladesh are yet to win a Test. But victories in New Zealand and now Australia have given the Tigers fresh momentum as they look to expand their overseas record.