Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 35 as Bangladesh closed day one of the first Test in a strong position at 96-1, after a disciplined bowling effort helped dismiss Australia for 198 in Darwin.
It was a day that belonged to Bangladesh. Hasan Mahmud produced a career-best 6-55, and the Tigers backed that up with a composed reply that lost only one wicket before stumps. Tanzid Hasan Tamim was 32 not out alongside Mominul, leaving Bangladesh 102 runs behind at the close.
Bangladesh seize control after early break
Australia had won the toss and elected to bat, but they never fully settled. There was one moment that could have changed the tone when Steve Smith was reprieved on review after an appeal for caught behind off Ebadot Hossain. Smith later said he thought he may have been lucky and added that technology had saved him.
Even so, Bangladesh kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Hasan Mahmud’s six-wicket haul was the standout performance, and it ensured Australia were held to a modest total on a surface where the visitors had hoped to build a stronger foundation.
Mominul anchors the reply
In response, Bangladesh showed the sort of calm they have not always managed against Australia. Mominul’s unbeaten 35 helped steady the innings, while Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s 32 not out gave Bangladesh a solid start and kept the scoreboard moving without unnecessary risk.
For Bangladesh, the position at stumps carried added significance. Their only previous Test win over Australia came at Mirpur in 2017, and the record against them has been limited to one victory in six previous Tests. Ending the first day 96-1 after bowling Australia out for 198 is exactly the kind of start they needed in the opening match.
The challenge now is to build on it. Bangladesh have already done the hardest part of day one by controlling Australia with the ball and staying composed with the bat. If Mominul Haque can keep batting deep into the second day, Bangladesh will have a real chance to turn a good opening into something even bigger.
