Bangladesh made history by securing a 9-wicket victory over Australia in the opening Test of the series in Darwin on Sunday. This marked the South Asian team's first-ever win against Australia on home soil in 26 years of Test cricket.
Mominul Haque's cut through the off-side off Beau Webster sealed the chase of 57 runs, completing the win on day four at Marrara Oval. The victory is widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in Test cricket history.
'Everything was perfect'
Defeating a full-strength Australia—the world's top-ranked Test side—on their own turf is considered Bangladesh's greatest triumph since they began playing Test cricket in 2000.
Australia had not hosted a Test series against Bangladesh for 23 years, since their 2-0 sweep in 2003. The visitors, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, showed determination and exceeded expectations, dominating the reigning World Test Championship winners for most of the match.
Bangladesh's hero on the decisive day was all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 65 in the first innings, dismissed Steve Smith on day three, and took four more wickets on day four as Australia resumed on 161/4, still trailing by 67 runs.
“It’s amazing. This is a wonderful moment for us,” Miraz said. “Our play showed the spirit of the whole team. Everything was perfect.”
Green unable to rescue Australia
Miraz continued to trouble Australia, dismissing wicketkeeper Alex Carey for 30 and Beau Webster for 5, before having captain Pat Cummins caught in the deep for 8.
Cameron Green fought hard with his third Test century and his first on home soil, but could not save the hosts, falling for 104 to become Hasan Mahmud's ninth wicket of the match.
After Green's dismissal, Australia's hopes rested on tail-enders Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood. Lyon fell to Miraz for 15, ending the home side's faint resistance.
With only 57 runs needed, Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque completed the victory quickly. Tanzid Hasan, who scored 101 in the first innings, was out for a duck in the second but left a significant mark by helping Bangladesh post 426 in their first innings, compared to Australia's 198.
