Bangladesh script history as they stun Australia in Darwin Test

Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets in the Darwin Test, securing one of the biggest upsets in Test cricket history. This remarkable victory makes Bangladesh only the third Asian team, following India and Pakistan, to achieve a Test win on Australian soil.

The visitors comfortably chased down the target of 57 runs in the second session of the fourth day, with Mominul Haque finishing unbeaten on 30 and Shadman Islam on 25 not out. Australia, who entered the match as heavy favorites having won 18 of their previous 23 Tests, were bowled out for 284 in their second innings.

Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the chief architect of Australia's collapse, claiming five wickets in the second innings and 11 in the match. His performance with the ball, coupled with a crucial 65 runs with the bat, earned him the Player of the Match award. He effectively utilized the rough patches on the pitch to trouble Australia's batters, dismissing key players like Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Nathan Lyon.

Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud also delivered a memorable performance, taking nine wickets for 111 runs across the match. His figures were the best by a visiting bowler in Australia in 15 years, excluding Jasprit Bumrah. Australia's hopes were briefly kept alive by Cameron Green, who scored his maiden Test century, batting for nearly five hours. However, Mahmud eventually broke Green's resistance, paving the way for Miraz to wrap up the innings.

This landmark win gives Najmul Hossain Shanto's side an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, marking a significant moment for Bangladesh cricket, which has historically struggled outside Asia. Australia will have an opportunity to respond in the second Test, while Bangladesh aims to build on this historic achievement.