Bangladesh scripted one of the most stunning chapters in modern cricket history on Sunday, August 16, 2026. They defeated World Test Championship leaders Australia by nine wickets in the series opener at Marrara Oval in Darwin. This marked Bangladesh’s first Test appearance on Australian soil in 23 years. Moreover, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side thoroughly dominated the top-ranked hosts across four days. As a result, they recorded their maiden Test victory Down Under.
Chasing a target of 57 runs in the final innings, Bangladesh polished off the runs in just 14.2 overs. This triggered jubilation among traveling fans. It also cemented their finest victory in 26 years of playing red-ball cricket.
Hasan Mahmud and Tanzid Tamim Set Up Massive Lead
Opting to bowl first on a green-tinged surface on Day 1, the Bangladesh pace attack delivered a masterclass in relentless discipline. Twenty-six-year-old pacer Hasan Mahmud dismantled the Australian batting lineup. He picked up career-best figures of 6/55 to bowl out the hosts for 198.
Steve Smith’s 71 provided the only major resistance for Australia. Meanwhile, Mahmud became the first Bangladesh bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a Test match in Australia.
Bangladesh’s batters responded in commanding fashion during their first innings. Young opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim slammed his maiden Test century (101 off 197 balls) in just his second match. This set a solid foundation.
Supported by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (84), all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz (65), and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (36), the visitors posted a towering total of 426. Thus, they established a massive 228-run first-innings lead.
Mehidy Miraz Seals the Historic Upset Despite Cameron Green Hundred
Trailing by 228 runs, Australia mounted a stern fightback in their second innings, anchored by all-rounder Cameron Green’s valiant maiden home Test century (104 off 201 balls).
However, Bangladesh spin-bowling star Mehidy Hasan Miraz turned the game decisively on Day 4. Exploiting rough patches on the pitch, Miraz picked up 5/66—his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He used this spell to dismantle Australia’s middle and lower order.
Hasan Mahmud added three more wickets to finish with match figures of 9/111. These were the best by a visiting bowler in Australia in 15 years outside of Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 284, setting Bangladesh a nominal target of 57 runs. Despite losing first-innings centurion Tanzid Tamim early to Josh Hazlewood, Mominul Haque (30*) and Shadman Islam (25*) remained composed. As a result, they sealed the nine-wicket victory.
The win gives Bangladesh an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-Test series. Furthermore, the second and final Test is set to commence in South Mackay on August 22.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
