Bangladesh began their first Test tour of Australia in 23 years with a stunning victory, thanks to Hasan Mahmud's career-best 6-55 bowling performance. Australia was bowled out for just 198 on the opening day of the series opener at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin. This remarkable feat marked the third-best performance by a Bangladeshi pacer, trailing only Shahadat Hossain Rajib’s 6-27 against South Africa and Ebadot Hossain’s 6-46 against New Zealand.
Hasan's exceptional bowling was complemented by Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, who each took two wickets. This marked only the second time that Bangladesh's pacers took all 10 wickets in an innings, the first being against Pakistan in the Rawalpindi Test in 2024. The visitors capitalized on the swing-friendly conditions after Australia surprisingly chose to bat first.
Despite Australia's Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on 45 runs for the opening stand, Hasan swiftly dismissed both, followed by Ebadot removing Marnus Labuschgne. Australia was reeling at 61-3 at lunch, but Steve Smith's resistance with a team-best 71 provided some respite. However, Ebadot broke the partnership by dismissing Alex Carey, who scored 19.
Hasan's dominance continued as he claimed his third five-wicket haul in his career, breaking through the Australian batting lineup. This victory holds significant importance for Bangladesh, showcasing their potential and marking a historic moment in their cricketing journey.
Bangladesh’s impressive performance in the first Test not only highlights their improved skills but also their strategic prowess in exploiting the conditions to their advantage.
