A Historic Milestone in Darwin
DARWIN (Azat TV) – Tanzid Hasan has etched his name into cricket history, becoming the first Bangladeshi player to score a Test century on Australian soil. The 25-year-old achieved the feat on the second day of the first Test in Darwin on Friday, steering Bangladesh into a commanding position against the host nation.
In only his second Test match, Tanzid displayed remarkable composure in the humid, tropical conditions of the Northern Territory. He faced 188 balls to reach his 101, an innings punctuated by eight boundaries and a towering six off veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. His performance was the centerpiece of a dominant team effort that saw Bangladesh reach 286-3 at tea on Day 2, holding an 88-run lead over Australia’s first-innings total of 198.
Building the Advantage
The foundation for the historic performance was laid on the opening day, when the Bangladeshi bowling attack—led by Hasan Mahmud’s career-best 6-55—dismantled the Australian lineup. Resuming on Friday at 96-1, Tanzid and Mominul Haque managed the Australian pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc with disciplined patience. The pair put together a crucial 102-run partnership before Mominul fell for 49.
Following his century, Tanzid was eventually dismissed while attempting to clear the boundary, finding Mitchell Starc at deep mid-off. However, his departure did not stem the momentum. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who remained unbeaten on 79 at tea, continued to accelerate the scoring alongside veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, further stretching Bangladesh’s lead and frustrating an Australian attack that struggled to find breakthroughs on a flat track.
Stakes of the Series
This match carries significant weight for Bangladesh, which is pursuing its maiden Test victory in Australia. While the visitors have historically struggled in Australian conditions, the performance in Darwin suggests a shift in competitiveness. The team’s ability to grind down the “Big Four” of the Australian bowling attack in the series opener has provided a platform to challenge for an unprecedented result. With seven wickets in hand heading into the final sessions of the match, the visitors are well-positioned to apply further pressure on the hosts.