Darwin: Tanzid Hasan’s historic century leads Bangladesh charge against Australia
Bangladesh takes commanding lead in Darwin Test
Bangladesh has established a significant lead of 153 runs with four wickets remaining against Australia on day three of the first Test in Darwin. The visitors reached 351 for 6 at stumps, driven by a historic century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim.
Tanzid Hasan scored 101 runs from 197 balls, becoming the first player from Bangladesh to achieve a Test century on Australian soil. His innings was crucial in building Bangladesh’s strong position in the match.
He was supported by contributions from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made 84, Mominul Haque with 49, and Mushfiqur Rahim, who added 36. These efforts allowed Bangladesh to surpass Australia’s first-innings total and build a substantial advantage.
Australia faces challenges on day three
Australia endured a difficult day in the Darwin heat, marked by dropped catches and their pace bowlers being hit across the Marrara Cricket Ground. The home side’s frustrations were evident, including an incident where Mitchell Starc confronted Mehidy Hasan Miraz after a near collision mid-pitch during a quick single.
Umpires intervened in the exchange between Starc and Miraz. The incident highlighted the pressure Australia was under as Bangladesh extended their lead. The home team’s performance has been described as thoroughly outplayed in this Test.
On the first day, Hasan Mahmud took 6 for 55, helping to dismiss Australia for a total of 198 in their first innings. This strong bowling performance set the tone for Bangladesh’s dominance in the match.
Yesterday, Bangladesh demonstrated effective Test batting, accumulating runs with composure and showing tactical awareness. Their approach contrasted with Australia’s struggles, particularly with the bat in their first innings.
Tanzid Hasan’s century was completed midway through the second day when he pushed Australian spinner Nathan Lyon for a single. This milestone innings will be remembered in Bangladesh’s cricketing history.
Despite Tanzid falling shortly after reaching 101, his contribution placed his team in an advantageous position. He is only the second Bangladesh player to score a century against Australia in Tests, following Shahriar Nafees’s 138 in Fatullah in 2006.
Australia managed to claim some wickets with the second new ball, with Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins among the wicket-takers. However, resistance from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud with the bat further extended Bangladesh’s lead on a pitch that showed signs of improvement.
The match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series. Day three began at 10am ACST / 10.30am AEST, with Australia’s players, including Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green, needing to perform to secure their places.
The task for Australia’s bowlers is to quickly dismiss the remaining Bangladesh batsmen and keep the lead under 200. Following that, Australia’s top order will need to display the same mature batting approach shown by their opponents to avoid a historic first defeat to Bangladesh on home soil.
The day’s play promises to be a significant one in the context of the Test, with Bangladesh aiming for a historic first victory in Australia.
Source: theguardian.com
Priya Menon 