AUS vs BAN 1st Test Review: Bangladesh script historic nine-wicket win over Australia in Darwin

Bangladesh produced one of the most memorable performances in their Test history as they defeated Australia by nine wickets in the first Test at the Marrara Stadium in Darwin on Sunday, August 16. Chasing just 57 runs in the fourth innings, the visitors completed the formalities with remarkable composure, securing their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.

The result was built on four days of disciplined cricket from Bangladesh, who dominated large periods of the contest with both bat and ball. Australia, meanwhile, struggled to cope with the visitors’ bowling attack and failed to produce enough substantial partnerships in either innings.

Hasan Mahmud sets the tone on Day 1

The foundation for Bangladesh’s historic victory was laid on the opening day.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat, but their top order quickly found itself under pressure against a disciplined Bangladesh pace attack. Hasan Mahmud produced the performance of his Test career, claiming a sensational 6/55 to bowl Australia out for 198. His spell was particularly impressive given that Bangladesh’s pace attack entered the series without some of its regular options.

Steve Smith provided Australia’s major resistance with a composed 71, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to counter Bangladesh’s bowling. Jake Weatherald, Travis Head and Cameron Green all fell cheaply, leaving Australia with a below-par first-innings total.

Bangladesh responded confidently with the bat, reaching 96/1 at stumps and immediately putting themselves in a commanding position.

Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque lead Bangladesh’s charge

The second day belonged largely to Bangladesh’s batters.

Tanzid Hasan announced himself on the biggest stage with a superb century, becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test hundred in Australia. His 101 was a landmark innings and provided the visitors with the platform they needed to build a sizeable first-innings lead.

Mominul Haque also played an important role, while Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 84. Bangladesh’s batting discipline contrasted sharply with Australia’s first-innings struggles.

By the end of the second day, Bangladesh had reached 351/6 and established a lead of 153 runs. Their advantage continued to grow on the following morning as the lower order chipped in with valuable runs.

Bangladesh eventually posted 426, securing a massive 228-run first-innings advantage. Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 65 was particularly valuable as he helped stretch the lead beyond Australia’s reach.

Hazlewood fights back, but Australia falter again

Australia’s bowling attack did provide some hope.

Josh Hazlewood, returning to Test cricket after an extended absence, produced a superb six-wicket haul. His 6/89 also saw him enter Australia’s exclusive 300-Test-wicket club, becoming the ninth Australian bowler to reach the landmark.

However, Hazlewood’s brilliance could not compensate for Australia’s problems with the bat.

Australia began their second innings with a huge deficit and immediately came under pressure again. Hasan Mahmud and the Bangladesh spinners kept asking difficult questions, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz proved particularly effective as the innings progressed.

At the close of Day 3, Australia were 161/4, still trailing Bangladesh by 67 runs. Cameron Green and Alex Carey had offered some resistance, but Bangladesh remained firmly in control.

Mehidy Hasan delivers the knockout blow

Australia’s hopes rested heavily on Cameron Green entering the fourth day. The all-rounder produced a determined century and briefly gave the hosts hope of setting Bangladesh a challenging target.

But Green did not receive enough support from the lower order.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz took three wickets during the fourth morning and completed a five-wicket haul in Australia’s second innings. His dismissal of key batters ensured that Australia’s resistance did not turn into a competitive total.

Australia were eventually bowled out for 284, leaving Bangladesh with a target of just 57 runs.

Given the magnitude of the occasion, there was still the possibility of nerves creeping into the Bangladesh batting lineup. Josh Hazlewood provided Australia with an early breakthrough by dismissing Tanzid Hasan for a duck.

However, Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque remained calm. The pair negotiated the Australian attack intelligently and ensured there was no dramatic twist in the final stages.

Bangladesh reached the target for the loss of just one wicket, completing a historic nine-wicket victory.

Bangladesh’s all-round dominance

The most impressive aspect of Bangladesh’s victory was that it was not dependent on one individual.

Hasan Mahmud’s six-wicket haul on the opening day gave the visitors the perfect start. Tanzid Hasan’s century then ensured that Australia could not regain control of the contest with the ball. Mehidy Hasan Miraz subsequently took over with his all-round contribution, including a crucial 65 with the bat and a five-wicket haul in Australia’s second innings.

Bangladesh also demonstrated tremendous discipline in the field and, perhaps most importantly, maintained their composure when Australia attempted to fight back.

For Australia, the defeat will raise several questions. Their top order failed twice, while the bowling attack was heavily reliant on Hazlewood’s individual brilliance. Nathan Lyon’s difficult outing will also invite scrutiny, particularly after Bangladesh’s batters handled the Australian spin attack effectively.

A landmark moment for Bangladesh cricket

This victory is significant far beyond the result itself. Bangladesh had not previously won a Test on Australian soil, making their nine-wicket triumph in Darwin a historic achievement.

It was also a statement about the team’s growing confidence in Test cricket. Against one of the world’s strongest sides, Bangladesh did not merely sneak over the line. They controlled the match for long stretches, built a huge first-innings lead and then finished the contest clinically.

The win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series and enormous confidence heading into the next encounter.

For Australia, meanwhile, the Darwin defeat serves as a major wake-up call. Their batting collapses, despite individual resistance from Smith and Green, ultimately proved too costly.

But for Bangladesh, August 16, 2026, will be remembered as a landmark day — the day the Tigers finally conquered Australia in their own backyard.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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