Muhammad Amanullah | August 13, 2026
The True Post (Sports Desk) — Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud produced a sensational spell in Darwin, taking 6 wickets for 55 runs as Australia were bowled out for just 198 on the opening day of the first Test.
Mahmud’s career-best performance dismantled Australia’s batting lineup and gave Bangladesh a dream start to their first Test series in Australia in 23 years. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. The hosts initially made a solid start, reaching 45 without losing a wicket, but Bangladesh’s pace attack soon turned the match on its head.
Australia Lose Four Wickets for 74
Australia’s top order struggled once Bangladesh’s fast bowlers found their rhythm.
Jack Weatherald scored 23, Travis Head made 22, Cameron Green contributed 13, while Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for just one run.
By the time Australia reached 74, four wickets had fallen.
Steve Smith and Alex Carey then attempted to rebuild the innings with a 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking Australia to 129.
However, Carey was dismissed for 19 at 129, triggering another collapse.
Steve Smith’s 71-Run Resistance
Steve Smith remained Australia’s main source of resistance as wickets continued to fall around him.
Beau Webster made 12, captain Pat Cummins scored 9, Nathan Lyon contributed 7 and Mitchell Starc was dismissed for just one.
Smith eventually scored 71 from 109 balls, finishing as Australia’s top scorer. His determined innings briefly kept Australia in the contest, but Hasan Mahmud removed the experienced batter and completed his five-wicket haul.
Mahmud then claimed another wicket shortly afterward to finish with 6 for 55, his best Test figures. (The Guardian)
Hasan Mahmud Leads Bangladesh’s Attack
Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking six wickets while conceding 55 runs.
Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain also contributed with two wickets each as Bangladesh’s pace attack took all 10 Australian wickets.
Mahmud’s figures were particularly impressive, giving him the third-best innings figures by a Bangladesh fast bowler in Test cricket. (Reuters)
His performance also stands as Bangladesh’s best bowling figures against Australia in men’s Tests. (Reddit)
Bangladesh Fast Bowlers Make History
Bangladesh’s fast bowlers claimed all 10 Australian wickets in the first innings.
The performance highlighted the effectiveness of Bangladesh’s pace attack on a slow, green-tinged Darwin pitch, where the bowlers were able to maintain pressure on Australia throughout the innings. (Reuters)
Australia’s total of 198 is also their lowest Test total against Bangladesh, underlining the scale of the batting collapse. (The Guardian)
Bangladesh Finish Day in a Strong Position
Bangladesh made an excellent start with the bat after dismissing Australia.
By the close of play, Bangladesh had reached 96 for 1, trailing Australia by only 102 runs.
Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque were unbeaten at the end of the day, putting Bangladesh in a strong position after a remarkable opening day in Darwin. (Reuters)
With Australia dismissed for 198 and Bangladesh already close to reaching the hosts’ total, the visitors have taken significant control of the first Test.
