‘What an unbelievable upset’ – Wasim Jaffer reacts to Bangladesh’s historic win versus Australia

Bangladesh completed one of the most significant results in their Test history on August 16, 2026, beating Australia by 9 wickets in the 1st Test at Marrara Stadium, Darwin. The match ran from August 13 to 16 and concluded on Day 4 of a scheduled five-day contest. Bangladesh needed only 57 runs to win and reached the target in 14.2 overs, losing just one wicket.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer posted his reaction on X, calling the result a historic achievement and an unforgettable moment for Bangladesh cricket, further claiming the win in Darwin as a statement. The former India cricketer reserved special praise for Tanzid Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Shanto for their exceptional performances on the field, causing a huge upset for the Aussies.

“What a phenomenal victory for Bangladesh! Beating Australia in Australia for the first time is a historic achievement and a huge moment for Bangladesh cricket. Special mention to Tanzid Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Captain Shanto for their terrific performances and leadership. Congratulations to each and everyone involved. This is more than just a win; it’s a statement of Bangladesh’s growth on the world stage. What an unbelievable upset!,” Jaffer said in a post on ‘X’.

Key performances that shaped the Darwin Test

Looking back at the match, the Pat Cummins-led side was dismissed for 198 in their first innings. The tourists, playing down under after over a couple of decades, replied with 426, building a lead of 228 runs. In their second innings, Australia were bowled out for 307, with Cameron Green contributing 104, his third Test century, before Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud applied the finishing touches.

Tanzid Hasan anchored Bangladesh’s first-innings total with 101, his maiden Test century. Hasan Mahmud was the pick of the bowlers on Day 1, taking six wickets and removing both Australian openers. He also dismissed Green in the second innings. Mehidy then claimed a five-wicket haul in the second innings, his third five-for in an overseas Test and 15th overall, with Green, Cummins and Nathan Lyon among his victims.

Tanzid fell for a duck in the chase, the only wicket Bangladesh lost. Mominul Haque finished unbeaten on 30 and Shadman Islam on 25 as Bangladesh sealed the win.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto described the scale of the achievement plainly after the match: ‘This is the biggest win so far for Bangladesh in any format.’

This was only Bangladesh’s third Test on Australian soil and their first tour here in 23 years, their previous visit having been in 2003. According to available records, Bangladesh became the second-quickest visiting side to win a Test in Australia, doing so on their third attempt. They became the quickest Asians to do so. The result is also described as only the second win by an Asian side in Australia over the last three decades.

At the time of the match, Australia sat at the top of the World Test Championship table. Following the result, Bangladesh solidified themselves at fourth in the WTC standings with a PCT (points percentage) of 66.67. The second Test in the series will commence on August 22 in Mackay.