The short version
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to score a Test century in Australia, finishing with 101 runs off 197 balls.
- Bangladesh closed day two at 351-6, holding a lead of 153 runs after Australia was bowled out for 198 on the opening day.
- The match is part of a two-Test series; Australia has never lost a home Test to Bangladesh in their previous six encounters.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim etched his name into cricket history on day two of the first Test between Bangladesh and Australia, becoming the first player from Bangladesh to score a century in an Australian Test match. Playing in just his second Test appearance, the 25-year-old opener navigated challenging conditions at the Marrara Oval in Darwin to reach the milestone, finishing with an unbeaten 101 off 197 balls before being dismissed late in the afternoon session.
Hasan’s performance was pivotal in extending Bangladesh’s advantage. The visitors began the day on 96-1 after successfully bowling out Australia for 198 on day one, following a toss win that allowed them to bat first. Hasan started the second day on 32 and went on to form significant partnerships that kept the momentum firmly with the Bangladeshi batting lineup. By the close of play, Bangladesh had reached 351-6, establishing a lead of 153 runs over their hosts.
The century was built on two key partnerships. First, Hasan put on 102 runs for the second wicket alongside Mominul Haque. Haque contributed 49 runs before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood just before lunch. Following Haque’s departure, Hasan then shared a 93-run stand with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 84 runs. These alliances allowed Bangladesh to consolidate their position despite the heat and the quality of the Australian bowling attack.
Conditions at the venue were described as stiflingly hot, adding physical strain to the technical demands of the match. The pitch was noted by Hasan to be improving as the game progressed, offering better bounce and carry for batsmen. His dismissal came when he drove a delivery from Nathan Lyon to Mitchell Starc at long-off during the afternoon session, ending an innings that he described as 'very special.'
After Hasan’s wicket, Australia attempted a comeback with the new ball, taking three quick wickets in the post-tea session. However, Bangladesh stabilized their innings through a partnership between Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud. The pair added an unbeaten 43 runs before stumps were drawn, ensuring that Bangladesh retained control of the match heading into day three.
This encounter marks the first match in a two-Test series between the two nations. Historically, Australia has dominated home fixtures against Bangladesh, having never lost a Test match on Australian soil to the Tigers. In six previous Tests played between the sides, Bangladesh secured only one victory, which occurred at Mirpur in 2017. Hasan’s century represents a significant shift in that dynamic, challenging the historical narrative of Australian invincibility at home against this opponent.
Hasan, who made his Test debut against Pakistan in May, expressed difficulty in articulating the significance of his achievement. 'I can't describe it in words, but it was very special for me,' he said, noting his enjoyment of the playing conditions. His ability to adapt and thrive in Australian conditions suggests a promising future for the young opener as Bangladesh looks to capitalize on their early advantage.
The match continues with Bangladesh holding a substantial lead. The outcome will depend on whether Australia can recover from their first-innings deficit and whether Bangladesh can set a challenging target or force an innings victory. With the series still in its opening stages, this individual milestone may serve as a catalyst for broader success for the visiting team.
Viewers across multiple platforms have been following the developments closely, with live commentary available on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. The high level of public interest underscores the significance of Hasan’s achievement not just for cricket statistics, but for the growing profile of Bangladesh cricket on the international stage.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Hasan hits Bangladesh's first century in Australia
- Yahoo Sports↗Australia vs. Bangladesh: How to watch the first Test cricket match in the U.S., TV channel, streaming info and more
- Cricinfo↗Hazlewood gets six but not before Bangladesh take 228-run lead
- Sky Sports↗Australia vs Bangladesh: First Test, Day One scorecard