Bangladesh made a stunning start to the first Test in Darwin as Australia were bowled out for just 198 runs, thanks to a brilliant spell from fast bowler Hasan Mahmud.
Hasan was the star of the show, taking 6 wickets for 55 runs in 17 overs, including three maidens. It was the best bowling performance of his Test career. He also completed his third Test five-wicket haul by dismissing Steve Smith.
Smith was Australia’s top scorer with 71 runs from 109 balls, including seven fours and a six.
Hasan was well supported by Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, who picked up two wickets each. Bangladesh’s two spinners, Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, went wicketless.
Australia started aggressively after winning the toss, but Hasan quickly put them under pressure. He bowled Jake Weatherald for 22 and then dismissed Travis Head for 23. Ebadot and Taskin then joined the attack, leaving Australia struggling at 74 for 4.
Smith tried to steady the innings, but Australia lost wickets regularly. The biggest collapse came after they reached 152 for 6. Hasan then took the final four wickets himself as Australia were dismissed for 198.
Bangladesh began their first innings after bowling out the hosts. At the latest update, the Tigers were 24 without loss after five overs, with Shadman Islam on 13 and Tanzid Hasan Tamim on 5.
Bangladesh have won just one of their previous six Tests against Australia, with that historic victory coming in Mirpur in 2017. After this superb bowling performance, Bangladesh now have a golden opportunity to create another piece of history—this time on Australian soil.
