Bangladesh Make History with Nine-Wicket Victory over Australia

Melbourne, 16 August 2026: Bangladesh created history in Test cricket by defeating Australia by nine wickets in Darwin. Led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, the visitors delivered an outstanding all-round performance to complete a commanding victory within four days.

It was Bangladesh’s second Test victory on Australian soil. Returning to Australia after 23 years, the touring side produced one of the most memorable triumphs in its Test history.

Najmul Hossain Shanto had hoped his players would remain competitive throughout all five days of the Darwin Test. Bangladesh exceeded even their captain’s expectations, sealing the match during the 11th session. From beginning to end, the visitors dominated with both bat and ball, overwhelming the formidable Australians in their own backyard.

The victory gave Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and ensured that they could not lose the series. Australia’s defeat to ninth-ranked Bangladesh represented a major upset, while for the visitors, the result will be remembered as one of their greatest Test achievements.

Bangladesh had suffered heavy defeats in Darwin and Cairns during their previous Australian tour 23 years ago. However, after a long absence from Test cricket in Australia, the team displayed confidence and determination from the opening day.

Bangladesh’s fast bowlers tore through the Australian batting order on the first day of the match on 13 August, dismissing the hosts for 198. After Australia’s powerful batting line-up was dismantled so cheaply, many expected an attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to place Bangladesh’s batters under similar pressure.

Bangladesh, however, dismissed those concerns with an outstanding batting performance.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim struck a historic century, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played important innings. Contributions from the lower order helped Bangladesh post 426 in their first innings.

Bangladesh secured a commanding 228-run lead—their biggest-ever first-innings advantage in an overseas Test—leaving Australia under enormous pressure when they returned to bat.

Bangladesh’s bowlers continued their dominance in the second innings. Hasan Mahmud delivered crucial early breakthroughs to keep the Australians on the back foot. Steve Smith offered resistance in the first innings, while Cameron Green fought hard in the second.

Green scored an impressive century on home soil to raise hopes of an Australian comeback. However, the hosts could not build a substantial lead against the spin of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who claimed five wickets to dismantle the Australian batting order.

Hasan Mahmud, who bowled brilliantly across both innings and claimed nine wickets in the match, was named Player of the Match. His pace, supported by Miraz’s effective spin bowling, placed Bangladesh firmly on course for their historic victory.

Australia were eventually bowled out for 284 in their second innings, leaving Bangladesh a target of only 57 runs.

The visitors completed the chase without difficulty, although first-innings centurion Tanzid Hasan was dismissed without scoring.

Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque then completed the remaining task through an unbeaten 53-run partnership. Mominul sealed the victory by striking Beau Webster for four from the final delivery of the 15th over.

Mominul remained unbeaten on 30, while Shadman finished not out on 25. Bangladesh reached 57 for one in 15 overs to secure a historic nine-wicket victory.

Australia had entered the Test with considerable confidence after bowling Bangladesh out for only 54 in a warm-up match. However, that dominance was nowhere to be seen in the Test itself.

Instead, Bangladesh comprehensively defeated Australia on their home soil within four days, writing a remarkable new chapter in the country’s cricket history.