How Tigers turned a 23-year wait into a historic Test victory

43 MIN(s)

UPDATED 7 MIN(s)

Star Sports Desk

PHOTO: AFP

Bangladesh’s 23-year wait to play a Test on Australian soil finally came to an end in Darwin -- and what followed was far beyond anything the most optimistic Tiger supporter could have imagined.

They arrived in Australia as overwhelming underdogs. They had been bowled out for just 54 by a Cricket Australia XI in their warm-up game. They faced an Australian attack boasting four bowlers with more than 300 Test wickets each. And yet, four days later, Bangladesh had done something no Bangladesh Test team had done before: they had beaten Australia in Australia.

It was not a victory built around one miraculous spell or one lucky session. The Tigers won this Test the hard way-- session after session, day after day.

DAY 1 — Hasan sets the tone

Hasan Mahmud’s career-best six for 55 led Bangladesh’s pace attack as Australia were bowled out for 198. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain took two wickets each, with Bangladesh’s seamers claiming all 10 wickets. Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque then steadied the Tigers at 96 for one at stumps. Bangladesh won the opening day and seized early control.

DAY 2 — Tanzid makes history

Tanzid Hasan produced a composed maiden Test century, becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test hundred in Australia. His 101, alongside important contributions from Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto, helped Bangladesh surge to 351 for six at stumps. The Tigers took a 153-run lead and moved closer to a historic result.

DAY 3 — The lead crosses 200

Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 65 helped Bangladesh extend their first innings to 426, giving them a massive 228-run lead. Australia fought back through Cameron Green and Alex Carey, but Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Australia ended the day at 161 for four, still trailing by 67 runs. History was within reach, but the job was far from finished.

DAY 4 — Miraz finishes the job

Mehidy Hasan Miraz completed a five-wicket haul as Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 284. Cameron Green’s 104 briefly gave the hosts hope, but Bangladesh’s bowlers refused to let the lower order escape. Set 57 to win, the Tigers lost Tanzid early but Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque calmly completed the chase. Mominul struck the winning boundary, sealing Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory in Australia.