Bangladesh produced another impressive day of Test cricket in Darwin as they seized control of the opening Test against Australia. A superb maiden Test century from Tanzid Hasan laid the foundation for a commanding batting display, while the visitors survived a late Australian fightback to finish Day 2 with a substantial 153-run lead.
Tanzid Hasan creates history with maiden Test hundred
Tanzid was the standout performer for Bangladesh, producing a composed and determined innings when his team needed it most. The left-handed opener scored 101 runs from 197 deliveries, becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to register a Test century on Australian soil. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, Tanzid built his innings around patience and shot selection. He repeatedly frustrated Australia’s bowlers and ensured Bangladesh continued to build momentum after taking control of the contest.
His century was also the product of valuable partnerships. Tanzid added 102 runs with Mominul Haque, who narrowly missed out on a half-century after being dismissed for 49. He then combined with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for another important 93-run stand. Those partnerships gave Bangladesh the platform to move well ahead of Australia’s first-innings total and put the hosts under considerable pressure.
Australia fight back with second new ball
Australia, however, refused to surrender without a fight. Their pace attack found renewed energy late in the post-tea session after the second new ball was introduced. Josh Hazlewood provided the breakthrough by removing Shanto for a well-made 84. The Bangladesh captain had played an important role in extending his team’s advantage but could not convert his innings into a century.
Mitchell Starc then struck almost immediately, dismissing Litton Das for a duck and briefly raising hopes of a late collapse. Pat Cummins added to Bangladesh’s concerns when he removed the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim for 36. The sequence of wickets gave Australia a much-needed opening and shifted some momentum back towards the home side.
Bangladesh hold firm to strengthen their position
Despite the late setbacks, Bangladesh kept their composure and avoided losing further wickets before stumps. Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz put together an unbeaten 55-ball defensive stand to ensure their side finished the day in a strong position. Hasan remained unbeaten on 13, while Mehidy was not out on 32 as Bangladesh successfully negotiated Australia’s attack during the closing stages.
There was also a dramatic moment on the final delivery of the day. Cameron Green appeared to have taken a catch off Mehidy’s bat, but replays subsequently showed that bowler Marnus Labuschagne had overstepped, making it a no-ball. Bangladesh will now head into the next phase of the Test with a 153-run lead and plenty of confidence. Tanzid’s historic century has given them the platform, while their ability to withstand Australia’s late surge could prove equally important as the contest moves towards its decisive stages.
Another great day for Bangladesh are they are now in a commanding position in this game. They lead by a substantial 153 runs now and the ball is in their court ✅⚡#AUSvBAN #TestCricket #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/0Pul9YzrOZ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 14, 2026
