Bangladesh Secures Historic First Test Victory Over Australia in Darwin
Bangladesh achieved one of the most historic milestones in their cricket history on August 16, 2026, defeating Australia by nine wickets in the first Test at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. Chasing a fourth-innings target of 57 runs, the touring side completed the victory in 14.2 overs on Day 4 of the contest. The result marks Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win on Australian soil, earning high praise from former India opening batter Wasim Jaffer and reshaping the World Test Championship standings.
What Happened
The four-day contest saw Australia, led by Pat Cummins, bowled out for 198 in their first innings after Hasan Mahmud produced a dominant bowling spell, capturing six wickets on Day 1. In reply, Bangladesh posted a commanding 426 to take a 228-run lead, powered by Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century of 101 runs.
Australia mounted a fightback in their second innings with a score of 307, anchored by Cameron Green’s 104, his third Test century. However, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Green, and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismantled the remainder of the lineup to claim a five-wicket haul, dismissing Green, Cummins, and Nathan Lyon. Facing a 57-run target, Bangladesh lost Tanzid for a duck before Mominul Haque (30 not out) and Shadman Islam (25 not out) carried the team across the line.
Key Highlights
- Decisive Margin: Bangladesh sealed the match by nine wickets within four days at Marrara Stadium, Darwin.
- Standout Batting: Tanzid Hasan registered his maiden Test century (101) in the first innings, while Cameron Green scored 104 in Australia’s second innings.
- Impactful Bowling: Hasan Mahmud took six wickets in the first innings, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed five wickets in the second innings, marking his 15th career five-wicket haul and third in an overseas Test.
- Rapid Milestone: Bangladesh became the second-quickest visiting side and the fastest Asian side to win a Test in Australia, doing so in just their third attempt.
- Long Gap: This series marks Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia in 23 years, following their previous visit in 2003.
- WTC Impact: Australia was at the top of the World Test Championship table at the time of the match, while Bangladesh solidified fourth place with a points percentage (PCT) of 66.67.
Why This Matters
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto described the victory as the biggest win so far for Bangladesh in any format. According to match records, it represents only the second Test victory by an Asian side in Australia over the past three decades.
Reacting to the result on X, Wasim Jaffer called the win an unbelievable upset, a historic achievement, and a statement of Bangladesh’s progress on the world stage. Jaffer gave special credit to Tanzid Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Captain Shanto for their performances and on-field leadership.
What to Watch Next
The two-match series moves forward with the second Test scheduled to begin on August 22 in Mackay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the margin of Bangladesh’s victory?
Bangladesh won the first Test against Australia by nine wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 57 runs in 14.2 overs for the loss of one wicket.
Who were the top individual performers in the Darwin Test?
For Bangladesh, Tanzid Hasan scored 101, Hasan Mahmud took six first-innings wickets, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took five second-innings wickets. For Australia, Cameron Green made 104 runs in the second innings.
How does this victory affect the World Test Championship?
Australia entered the fixture at the top of the World Test Championship table. With this result, Bangladesh solidified fourth position in the standings with a points percentage of 66.67.
Source: Crictracker