Hasan’s six-for bundles out Australia for 198 in Darwin

Bangladesh seized control of the opening day of the Darwin Test as a devastating spell from Hasan Mahmud helped bowl Australia out for 198 in their first innings. The right-arm pacer claimed six wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain provided crucial support to dismantle the hosts’ batting lineup.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Australia made a cautious start as openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head negotiated the opening spell without much trouble. Hasan, however, broke through in the 12th over when Weatherald edged a delivery outside off to wicketkeeper Litton Das. He made 23 off 37 balls.

Hasan struck again two overs later, bowling Head from around the wicket after the left-hander attempted to maintain his attacking approach. Head departed for 22 off 39 balls.

Bangladesh then missed a chance to remove Steve Smith cheaply. The former Australia captain, on two, edged Ebadot to slip, but Tanzid Hasan Tamim failed to hold the catch. Bangladesh also squandered a review while attempting to have Smith given out caught behind, with UltraEdge showing no contact with the bat.

Taskin provided Bangladesh with their fourth breakthrough before lunch. Cameron Green attempted an attacking shot but caught the edge, with Mushfiqur Rahim completing the catch. Australia went into lunch at 74 for four.

Australia showed signs of recovery in the second session as Smith and Alex Carey put together a 55-run partnership. Their resistance ended immediately after the drinks break when Ebadot struck with the first ball. Carey attempted to defend a short-of-length delivery but got an inside edge onto his stumps, departing for 19.

Taskin then removed Beau Webster for 12 off 10 balls with a superb delivery that crashed into his stumps, leaving Australia 154 for six after 39 overs.

Hasan returned to inflict further damage late in the session, dismissing captain Pat Cummins for nine, caught by Litton Das, before removing Mitchell Starc in similar fashion to claim his fourth wicket. Australia reached tea at 183 for eight, with Smith still fighting at the other end.

The collapse continued after the interval as Hasan tore through the lower order to complete his six-wicket haul. Taskin and Ebadot also struck to wrap up Australia's innings for 198.

Smith top-scored for Australia with a determined 71, but received little support as Bangladesh's pace attack repeatedly exposed the hosts' batting.

Hasan's six wickets made him the standout performer of the day, with Taskin and Ebadot playing key supporting roles. Having dismissed Australia for less than 200, Bangladesh now have a major opportunity to build a substantial first-innings lead and strengthen their position in the Test.