Mahmud condemns Australia to record-low during 1st Test; makes history for Bangladesh
Darwin, August 13
It was a historic day for Bangladesh pacers Hasan Mahmud, who took the best-ever figures by a bowler from his country against Australia and Taskin Ahmed, who completed 300 international wickets, during the first Test against the 2023 World Test Champions at Darwin on Thursday.
During the first day, Bangladesh skittled out Australia for just 198 runs, their worst-ever against Bangladesh and their first sub-200 total against the Asian nation in Tests. Hasan shined brightly with a sensational 6/55, ripping apart the Australian top and middle order, becoming the third from his country after legends like Shakib al Hasan and Mohammed Rafique to have Test fifers against Australia and the first one to have it in Aussie land.
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 an Australian fan, this is concerning. We've been struggling against quality pace bowling lately. Hasan bowled beautifully, but our batsmen need to take responsibility. Steve Smith fought hard as always, but the rest of the lineup just folded. Bangladesh deserved this - they outplayed us completely.
What a historic moment for Bangladesh cricket! 🇧🇩 Taskin completing 300 international wickets is no small feat. And Hasan's 6/55 will be remembered for years. The way our pacers have evolved is inspiring. This shows that with proper support and exposure, any team can compete with the best. 👏
Respect to Bangladesh, they bowled really well. But I'm worried about our middle order. We can't keep relying on Smith and Head every time. The selectors need to look at our domestic circuit and bring in fresh talent. This is a reality check for us before the overseas tours.
Amazing how fast bowling has evolved in the subcontinent! First India, now Bangladesh are producing genuine pace threats. Hasan's control and ability to move the ball both ways is world-class. Also, Taskin's journey from an inconsistent bowler to a 300-wicket international star is a lesson in perseverance. Great day for Asian cricket! 🇮🇳🤝🇧🇩
Honestly, this was long overdue for Bangladesh. They've always been good at home, but now they're showing they can compete away from home too. Hasan's five-wicket haul in Australia is a huge statement. Also, that 45-run opening stand by Australia was the only highlight. Bangladesh's bow
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