Bangladesh Squash Aussies in Historic Triumph at Darwin

Bangladesh shook up world cricket with their nine-wicket win against Australia in the Darwin Test. It was their first Test win in Australia in only their third attempt, although they were playing a Test in the country for the first time in 23 years. Bangladesh also beat Australia in a Test at home nine years ago too, but this victory was as comprehensive as it gets. The visitors absolutely trounced the much-vaunted No. 1 team in the world.

After Australia were bowled out for 284 in the second innings, Bangladesh were left to chase 57 runs on the fourth afternoon. Mominul Haque knocked the winning runs at 2.36pm local time. It left a full day of celebration for the players and support staff, and no doubt for the small group of fans, who made enough noise in an almost empty Marrara Oval on the fourth day.

The win is a huge moment for Bangladesh, especially in a year when they skipped the T20 World Cup for political reasons. They have, however, won significantly since March, culminating in this massive Test win.

Hasan Mahmud taking nine wickets in the match, and Tanzid Hasan scoring his maiden century was complemented by Mehidy Hasan Miraz‘s half-century and five-wicket haul later in the game. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto starred with the bat, and as a captain too.

What made this win so unbelievable was Bangladesh’s form in the lead-up to this match. They crashed to 54 all out in the warm-up fixture against CA XI just the week before, and there was a loud clamour about missing the injured Nahid Rana in the Test series. Still, Bangladesh’s bowlers bowled out Australia for less than 300 runs in both innings, while their rickety batting line-up stood up ramrod straight in the Test.

Bangladesh’s final victory push began on the third afternoon when they went 228 runs ahead of Australia in the first innings. Mahmud dismissed the openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, getting them bowled off inside edges. Taijul Islam, nursing a finger injury, got one to slide through Marnus Labuschagne who played all around the delivery. When Mehidy Hasan had Steven Smith caught and bowled for 44, Bangladesh sensed they had the hosts in trouble.

On the fourth morning, Mehidy tied up his end with plenty of dot balls, before Alex Carey played down the wrong line to be caught behind for 30. That was the opening Bangladesh needed.

Mehidy then got one to drift away from Beau Webster as the ball knocked off his off stump. Pat Cummins fell to the offspinner with an inside edge to short leg, where Shadman Islam took the catch. Taskin Ahmed got Mitchell Starc after lunch, before Cameron Green rushed to his third Test century. He batted solidly for his 104, but found little support at the other end.

Bangladesh were set up for this massive result much earlier, though. Mahmud’s career-best figures of 6 for 55 knocked out Australia for 198 on the first day. Tanzid then struck his maiden Test century, in only his second match, and gave them the perfect start, following which captain Shanto struck 84. Tanzid added important partnerships with Mominul and Shanto, before Mushfiqur Rahim and Shanto added more runs.

Australia hit back with three quick wickets with the second new ball, after which, however, Mehidy heroically struck a fifty as he batted 52.3 overs with the tailenders. It kept Australia in the field for much longer than they expected. They dropped five catches, too, though Josh Hazlewood took six wickets. Bangladesh’s 426 all out made all the difference, as Australia felt the pressure of falling behind by 228 runs in the first innings, before they capitulated in the second dig too.