Bangladesh continued their commanding performance in the first Test in Darwin, building on a strong opening day to establish a 153-run lead by the close of play on day two. The visitors reached 351/6 after 110 overs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz remaining unbeaten on 32 and Hasan Mahmud providing support on 16. The foundation for this lead was laid by opener Tanzid Tamim, who scored a brilliant century in only his second Test match, becoming the second Bangladeshi batsman to reach a Test century against Australia after Shahriyar Nafees achieved the feat in Fatullah in 2005.
Tanzid’s innings was a masterclass in composure, featuring eight boundaries and a six across 188 deliveries. He shared a crucial 102-run partnership with Muminul Haque, who contributed 49 before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in the first session. Following Muminul’s departure, Tanzid combined with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto to push the score forward. After reaching his milestone with a single off Nathan Lyon, Tanzid celebrated with his teammates, including a warm embrace from his captain, while the dressing room erupted in applause.
Captain Shanto also played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings with a composed 84 off 126 balls, an effort that included seven fours and a six before he was caught by Mitchell Starc off the bowling of Nathan Lyon. Mushfiqur Rahim added a steady 36 to the total. Australia’s bowling attack struggled to contain the visitors, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood claiming two wickets each, while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon picked up one apiece.
The match was set up by a sensational bowling display from Bangladesh on the first day, where they dismantled the Australian lineup for just 198 runs in 53 overs. Pacer Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer, claiming 6 wickets for 55 runs. Steve Smith provided the only notable resistance for the hosts, scoring 71 runs before the team was bowled out.
The scorecard for the first innings reflects the dominance of the visitors: Australia finished at 198 all out in 53 overs, led by Smith’s 71 and Hasan Mahmud’s 6/55. Bangladesh’s first innings currently stands at 351/6 after 110 overs, with Tanzid (101), Shanto (84), Muminul (49), Mushfiq (36), Miraz (32*), and Hasan (16*) leading the charge against the Australian bowling attack of Starc (2/68), Hazlewood (2/68), and Cummins (1/50).
