Shoriful Islam delivered a stunning spell on Day 2 of the second Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Mackay on Sunday, August 23, as his career-best 7/48 helped bowl Australia out for 210. The left-arm pacer’s brilliance handed Bangladesh a valuable 146-run first-innings lead after the visitors had been dismissed for just 64.
Shoriful Islam completes remarkable seven-wicket haul
Australia resumed their innings at 165/8 but managed only another 45 runs before being dismissed for 210 shortly before lunch. Shoriful completed his seven-wicket haul in style, trapping Cameron Green lbw for 67 with a sharply swinging yorker. Taijul Islam then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Josh Hazlewood for six, although Nathan Lyon remained unbeaten on 32. Lyon and Hazlewood had added 24 runs for the final wicket, helping Australia push their total beyond 200. Despite that late resistance, Bangladesh retained a commanding advantage thanks largely to Shoriful’s outstanding spell.
History made in Mackay
Shoriful’s figures were not only crucial to the match situation but also etched his name into Bangladesh’s Test history. His 7/48 became the first seven-wicket haul by a Bangladesh bowler against Australia in Test cricket. The performance also gave Shoriful the best innings figures by a Bangladesh bowler in an away Test, surpassing Taijul Islam’s previous mark of 7/138 against Zimbabwe earlier this year.
The 24-year-old pacer’s effort is particularly impressive considering Bangladesh’s recent bowling performances against Australia. Hasan Mahmud had claimed 6/55 in the opening Test in Darwin, setting the previous benchmark for a Bangladesh bowler against the Australians. Shoriful has now raised that standard significantly in Mackay.
Steve Smith-Cameron Green stand broken by Shoriful
Australia’s innings had initially threatened to move away from Bangladesh’s control after the hosts slipped to 41/3. Steve Smith and Green responded with a 77-run partnership that steadied Australia’s innings and gave them hope of building a substantial lead. Smith contributed 42 from 74 deliveries, striking six boundaries, while Green produced a determined 67 off 105 balls, with 10 fours.
However, Shoriful repeatedly found ways to break through Australia’s resistance. His ability to attack the stumps and extract movement kept the Australian batters under pressure, eventually leading to a spectacular seven-wicket return. Shoriful’s 7/48 also became the best innings figures by a visiting bowler against Australia since West Indies great Curtly Ambrose claimed 7/25 in 1993. With Bangladesh now holding a 146-run lead, Shoriful’s spell has put the visitors firmly in control of a Test that began with their own batting collapse.
