Shanto Leads Bangladesh to Nine-Wicket Victory Over Australia in Darwin

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto described their historic victory over Australia in the first Test in Darwin as their “biggest win yet in any format.” Ranked ninth in Tests, Bangladesh shocked the world No. 1 side in their own backyard, securing an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series. It was only the third Test Bangladesh have played on Australian soil, and they trounced a full-strength side also leading the World Test Championship points table by nine wickets.

“This is the biggest win yet for Bangladesh in any format,” Shanto said at the presentation. “We plan to achieve something special in the future.”

“I am very happy and proud of the way the boys played. The team put in a lot of hard work, and I am delighted to secure the win.”

Shanto heaped particular praise on his fast bowlers, who claimed all 10 wickets in the first innings to bundle Australia out for 198. A five-for from Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped wrap up the hosts for 284 in their second innings, giving Bangladesh a target of just 57.

“The rise of fast bowlers is the biggest change in Bangladesh Test cricket,” Shanto explained. “Normally, five or six years ago, pace bowlers were reluctant to play Test cricket due to limited opportunities. However, over the last two or three years, with increased Test exposure, the boys have embraced the format. They now want to play and perform to become world-class. Senior figures like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque have played a key role in encouraging them. That mindset shift is evident in the side’s approach.”

Opening batter Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century in the first innings gave Bangladesh an imposing 228-run lead, as the side posted 426. It was only the second Test for the 25-year-old Tanzid, who made his Test debut earlier this year against Pakistan at home.

“He’s an exciting prospect,” Shanto said. “While Tanzid is known for his attacking white-ball game, he showed great character in this Test, remaining calm and playing according to the merit of the ball. We know he has the ability to excel in the longer format, and he certainly delivered with an impact for the team.”

Hasan Mahmud was named Player of the Match after finishing with nine wickets, including a six-for in the first innings. “In every practice session, we’ve been focusing on giving our best each day, each session, and believing in the process rather than the outcome,” Mahmud said. “Whatever happens, we have to play five days and then the results will follow. Our bowlers performed well with patience, hitting the right line and length, and the results naturally followed.”

When asked if this victory provides evidence for Bangladesh to win the second Test in Mackay, Shanto replied: “We have the evidence, but we must play good cricket. As I said before this match, we need to play five days of good cricket, session by session. The bowlers did their job, batsmen chipped in, and the lower middle and lower orders contributed crucially. Those are the things we need to replicate in Mackay.”

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