In a truly historic upset, Bangladesh has achieved a remarkable nine-wicket victory over Australia in the first Test match held at Darwin’s Marrara Oval. This significant win on Sunday marks Bangladesh’s first-ever Test triumph on Australian soil and only their second Test success against the top-ranked Australian side.
The foundation of Bangladesh’s unexpected success was a comprehensive all-round performance, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz emerging as the undeniable star. His decisive contributions with both bat and ball proved pivotal. After crafting a crucial half-century in Bangladesh’s initial innings, Mehidy went on to claim an impressive five wickets in Australia’s second innings. This masterful display ensured that the host nation could only establish a modest target for Bangladesh to chase.
Australia, having resumed play on Day 4 at a score of 161 for 4, ultimately collapsed, being bowled out for a total of 284 runs. This left Bangladesh needing a mere 57 runs to secure their momentous victory. Cameron Green provided the most substantial resistance for Australia, notching up his third Test century and his first on home ground. The all-rounder displayed composure, scoring 104 runs from 201 balls. However, even his valiant efforts could not avert Australia’s significant and embarrassing defeat.
During their chase, Bangladesh experienced a brief period of apprehension when Josh Hazlewood, who finished with figures of 1 for 5, dismissed first-innings centurion Tanzid Hasan for a duck. Nevertheless, Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque steadfastly remained at the crease, finishing unbeaten on 25 and 30 runs respectively, guiding Bangladesh across the finish line in just 14.2 overs. The final moments sparked exuberant celebrations among the Bangladeshi supporters gathered behind the team’s dugout, who had witnessed a truly unforgettable moment in their nation’s cricketing history.
Bangladesh had maintained control for the majority of the Test match, a scenario that unfolded after Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first. Australia was subsequently dismissed for a mere 198 runs in their first innings, with Steve Smith’s 71 being the top individual score. Capitalizing on improving batting conditions, Bangladesh then seized the initiative, amassing a formidable total of 426 runs, thereby securing a substantial 228-run first-innings lead.
Australia desperately needed an extraordinary effort in their second innings to alter the trajectory of the contest, and Green’s century briefly offered a glimmer of hope. However, Mehidy’s exceptional spell ultimately extinguished those hopes, propelling Bangladesh towards their landmark victory.
Mehidy was at the heart of Australia’s collapse on Day 4. Despite the visitors initially struggling to completely shut down Australia’s resistance at the start of the day, the off-spinner delivered a decisive spell both before and after lunch. He first removed Alex Carey for 30, with Litton Das completing a sharp catch behind the stumps. Mehidy then produced a delivery that straightened past Beau Webster’s bat, striking the top of the off stump and leaving Australia reeling at 193 for 6, still 35 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total. Cummins could only manage eight runs before offering a catch to Hasan Miraz at short leg, granting Mehidy his third wicket of the morning. The spinner completed his five-wicket haul when Nathan Lyon was trapped leg before wicket, effectively bringing Australia’s innings to an end at 284. Mehidy finished with remarkable figures of 5 for 66.
Green remained Australia’s most formidable obstacle throughout the innings, combining effectively with the lower order to prevent the hosts from suffering an innings defeat. The all-rounder reached his century after lunch, achieving the milestone from 192 balls with four boundaries and a six. Despite the significance of the achievement, Green’s celebration was understandably subdued given Australia’s precarious position. This century was particularly noteworthy as it marked his first on Australian soil in his 37th Test match. Green has frequently faced scrutiny regarding his place in the Australian side, but his determined innings represented one of his finest performances for the team. His resistance finally came to an end when Hasan Mahmud delivered a ball that stayed low, bowling him for 104. Hasan concluded with figures of 3 for 56.
This defeat represents a significant setback for Australia and is considered one of the most embarrassing home reverses in the team’s 149-year Test history. It is also likely to intensify scrutiny on the selectors, with Australia now facing considerable pressure to make strategic changes before the second Test in Mackay, Queensland, which is scheduled to commence on August 22. For Bangladesh, this result marks only their second Test victory over Australia, following their maiden win in Dhaka in 2017. The two-match ‘Top End’ series also signals the commencement of an exceptionally demanding 12-month period for Australia, with the team slated to play 20 Tests, including challenging tours to South Africa, India, and England.
