Darwin, Aug 2026 : Bangladesh produced one of the biggest shocks in recent Test cricket history on Sunday, defeating top-ranked Australia by nine wickets in the opening Test at Marrara Oval to secure their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
Chasing just 57 runs for victory on the fourth day, Bangladesh completed the task comfortably in the second session. Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 30, while Shadman Islam finished on 25 not out. Mominul sealed the memorable win by cutting Beau Webster through the square on the off side, giving Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The victory was particularly significant given Bangladesh’s limited success in Australia. It was only their third Test appearance in the country and their first red-ball outing there in 23 years. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team had arrived as clear underdogs after being bowled out for just 54 against a Cricket Australia XI in a warm-up fixture and subsequently suffering an innings defeat.
However, Bangladesh consistently produced answers whenever Australia attempted to fight back. The hosts’ second innings was anchored by Cameron Green, who produced a determined century to keep Australia’s hopes alive. Green battled for nearly five hours, scoring 104, before Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud ended his resistance with a delivery that stayed low and crashed into the stumps.
Hasan was the standout performer for Bangladesh and was named Player of the Match. He finished with match figures of 9-111, following his crucial six-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings, when the hosts were dismissed for 198 on the opening day.
Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz then played a decisive role in the second innings. Exploiting the rough created by Mitchell Starc, Mehidy repeatedly troubled Australia’s middle and lower order and finished with five wickets. His effort helped Bangladesh dismiss Australia for 284, leaving the visitors with a straightforward target.
Bangladesh had laid the foundation for victory with a strong first innings total of 426. Opener Tanzid Hasan registered his maiden Test century, while Mehidy contributed an important 65 to give the visitors a commanding advantage.
The result marks only Bangladesh’s second Test victory over Australia, following their famous triumph in Dhaka in 2017. It also means Bangladesh cannot lose the two-match series.
The second Test will be played next week at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, with Bangladesh now eyeing a historic series triumph.
Scorecard
Australia: 198 & 284
Bangladesh: 426 & 57/1 (14.2 overs)
Result: Bangladesh won by 9 wickets
Series: Bangladesh lead 1-0
Player of the Match: Hasan Mahmud (9-111)
