Bangladesh have handed Australia one of their most humiliating and crushing Test defeats in 149 years, securing their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil. The visitors bowled Australia out for 284 in their second innings in Darwin before chasing the required 57 runs for the loss of just one wicket to claim a nine-wicket win.
While Australia have suffered heavy upset home defeats in the past, most notably an eight-run loss to the West Indies at the Gabba in 2024 when Shamar Joseph ripped through the batting lineup, this result was distinct. Bangladesh dominated every facet of play from the outset, a remarkable turnaround just days after being bowled out for 54 in a warm-up match by a Cricket Australia XI.
From the moment Australia batted first in this Test, the Bangladesh bowlers found the right lines and lengths to skittle the hosts for 198, with paceman Hasan Mahmud (6-55) announcing himself as a rising star. With the bat, the Tigers mixed controlled aggression with patience to compile 426, bolstered by a magnificent 101 from Tanzid Hasan in just his second Test, while Australia’s fielding woes were highlighted by five dropped catches.
Poor batting on day one and uncharacteristic fielding blunders handed Bangladesh the advantage early. The twin failures of opener Jake Weatherald and No 3 Marnus Labuschagne will now have their positions under the microscope for the second Test that starts in Mackay on Saturday.
Australia resumed their second innings at 161-4 on Sunday, but soon found themselves in strife. Allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5-66) bewitched the Australian batters with his offspin, claiming the key wickets of Alex Carey (30), Beau Webster (five), and Pat Cummins (nine) before the lunch break.
Cameron Green (104) notched his third Test century in a defiant innings of class and composure. Playing for his spot in the team, Green flicked Taskin Ahmed for two to reach his ton, surviving a tough caught-and-bowled chance on 95. It was his first century on home soil and his first overall since making an unbeaten 174 against New Zealand in Wellington in 2024.
Green drove beautifully and used the crease well against the spinners before eventually chopping on to Mahmud (3-66). Australia were bowled out shortly after lunch when Mehidy trapped Nathan Lyon in front, sealing a historic result that leaves the hosts searching for answers ahead of the next encounter.
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