1st Test: Tanzid, Shanto shine as Bangladesh take 150-run lead over Australia at Stumps on Day 2
Darwin, August 14
Bangladesh continued their impressive performance in the opening Test against Australia as Tanzid Hasan Tamim struck a historic maiden century before the visitors ended Day 2 in a commanding position at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin.
After bowling Australia out for 198 on the opening day, Bangladesh made the most of the favourable batting conditions. Tanzid and Mominul Haque resumed Bangladesh's innings and added 102 runs for the second wicket before Mominul was dismissed for 49 by Josh Hazlewood.
Tanzid went on to complete his maiden Test century, becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test hundred in Australia. The 25-year-old made 101 off 188 balls, hitting eight fours and a six, before Nathan Lyon dismissed him.
His century also ended a long wait for a Bangladesh player to score a Test hundred away from home. The last such instance came in 2022, when Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored 137 against South Africa in Durban.
Tanzid's hundred is only the second century by a Bangladesh batter against Australia in Tests. Shahriar Nafees had previously scored 138 at Fatullah in 2006.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto then continued Bangladesh's dominance with an impressive 84, while Mushfiqur Rahim contributed 36. Shanto's dismissal and Mushfiqur's late departure gave Australia some relief as the hosts' pace attack picked up wickets with the second new ball.
At Stumps on Day 2, Bangladesh were 348/6 after 106 overs, holding a substantial 150-run lead over Australia. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was unbeaten on 29, with Hasan Mahmud on 13, as the visitors looked to stretch their advantage further.
On Day 1, Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud dismantled the Australian batting attack as he claimed a career-best 6/55 that helped his side bowl out the hosts for 198 in 53 overs.
Hasan's figures have outdone Rafique's (5/62 at Fatullah, 2006) for the best figures by a Bangladeshi bowler against Australia, condemning a struggling line-up, facing so many questions to their lowest Test score against Bangladesh since 217 at Mirpur back in 2017.
In 15 Tests, Hasan now has three five-fors, the second-most by a Bangladesh pacer in Tests, with only Shahadat Hossain (four in 38 Tests) at the top. With fifers in India, Pakistan and now against Australia, Hasan has made a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with in away conditions. Australia just could not keep going after a 45-run stand between Travis Head (22) and Jake Weatherald (23) for the first wicket, sinking to 74/4.
Steve Smith (71 in 109 balls, with seven fours and a six) did try persisting with the middle-order/lower-order, but to no avail as Hasan continued his storm. Taskin also became the sixth bowler to reach 300 international wickets in Bangladesh cricketing history, with a spell of 2/55.
Now he has exactly 300 wickets in 204 matches, with 13 four-wicket hauls, three five-fors and an average of above 28. Shakib al Hasan (712), Mashrafe Mortaza (389), Mustafizur Rahman (384), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (369) and Taijul Islam (302) stand above Taskin in Bangladesh's all-time bowling charts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who watches cricket religiously, I must say Bangladesh's pace attack has evolved so much. Hasan Mahmud with 6/55 in Australia - who would have thought? The subcontinent teams are no longer just spin-dependent. Great days for Asian cricket!
Honestly, this Bangladesh team looks completely different from the one I watched growing up. Tanzid's 101 against this Australian attack - brilliant stuff! But let's not get too carried away. Australia will come back hard on Day 3. The second new ball dented us a bit, but 150 runs lead is massive. Need to see how we handle Lyon on a deteriorating pitch.
As an Aussie, I'm genuinely impressed by Bangladesh. We're used to dominating at home, but this young team has shown tremendous grit. Hasan Mahmud's spell on Day 1 was world-class. Tanzid's century was a treat to watch. Australia needs a miracle now, but credit where it's due - Bangladesh have been phenomenal. 👏
This is what Test cricket is all about! Bangladesh showing the world they're no longer minnows. Tanzid's knock reminded me of some of the great Asian batters in Australia. Hasan Mahmud's performance away from home - five-fors in India, Pakistan and now Australia - this guy is the real deal. Take a bow, Bangladesh!
The improvement in Bangladesh's fast bowling unit deserves more credit. For years, we only talked about their spinners, but now with Hasan Mahmud and Taskin showing their prowess in overseas conditions, they have a complete attack. Tanzid's century is historic - first Bangladesh
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