Bangladesh secures historic nine-wicket Test victory over Australia in Darwin

By Charlie Bradshaw — 16 August 2026 — 3 min read

Historic Win for Bangladesh

Bangladesh has achieved a significant milestone in Test cricket, defeating Australia by nine wickets in Darwin. This victory marks their first Test win on Australian soil and only their second Test triumph against the world’s top-ranked side. The win has been described as one of Australia’s most humiliating home defeats in their 149-year Test history.

The visitors dominated the match from the outset, a stark contrast to their performance in a warm-up match just days prior, where they were bowled out for 54 by a Cricket Australia XI. Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, celebrated the achievement, calling it the country’s “biggest win so far in any format.”

Match Overview and Key Performances

Australia, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were bowled out for 198 in their first innings. Paceman Hasan Mahmud made a notable impact, taking six wickets for 55 runs. In response, Bangladesh displayed a blend of controlled aggression and patience, compiling 426 runs. Tanzid Hasan scored a magnificent 101 in his second Test, contributing significantly to their commanding 228-run lead. Australia’s fielding also saw uncharacteristic errors, dropping five catches during Bangladesh’s innings.

On the fourth day, Mehidy Hasan Miraz proved instrumental with his off-spin, claiming five wickets for 66 runs in the second innings. He dismissed key Australian batters including Alex Carey (30), Beau Webster (five), and captain Pat Cummins (nine) before lunch. Miraz later trapped Nathan Lyon, securing the final wicket as Australia were bowled out for 284.

Despite the team’s overall struggle, Cameron Green delivered a defiant performance, scoring his third Test century with 104 runs. This was his first century on home soil and his first since an unbeaten 174 against New Zealand in 2024. Green, who was dropped on 95 by bowler Taskin Ahmed, showcased class and composure, driving beautifully and playing late against the spinners. He eventually chopped on to Mahmud, who finished with three wickets for 66 runs in the second innings.

Aftermath and Future Outlook

Australia resumed their second innings at 161 for 4 on Sunday, but soft dismissals ruined any chance of an unlikely comeback. With a modest target of 57 runs, Bangladesh faced early nerves when Josh Hazlewood dismissed first-innings centurion Tanzid Hasan for a duck. However, Shadman Islam (25 not out) and Mominul Haque (30 not out) maintained their composure to chase down the target in just 14.2 overs.

The defeat has put pressure on Australia’s selectors ahead of the second Test. Captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the top order’s struggles, stating that their batting was “not quite functioning as we would like.” He indicated that the batters would review footage and approaches, and that changes to their style might be necessary “pretty quickly.”

Shanto, on the other hand, urged his team to maintain discipline and build on their historic win as they head to Mackay for the second Test, which begins on Saturday. He emphasized the need to “follow the process, accept the challenge and enjoy those challenges,” acknowledging Australia’s quality bowling attack.

The victory was celebrated widely, with Shanto receiving a congratulatory video call from Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the dressing room. This two-Test series marks the beginning of a demanding 12-month schedule for Australia, which includes 20 Tests and tours to South Africa, India, and England.

Source: theguardian.com