Muhammad Amanullah | August 14, 2026
The True Post (Web News) — Bangladesh strengthened their grip on the first Test against Australia in Darwin with an impressive batting display on Day 2, reaching 351 for 6 at stumps and taking a commanding 153-run first-innings lead. (Reuters)
Young opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim was the standout performer, scoring his maiden Test century and becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test hundred on Australian soil. (Reuters)
Tanzid Hasan’s Historic Century
Playing only his second Test match, Tanzid spent almost five hours at the crease and faced 197 deliveries, scoring 101 runs with eight fours and a six.
His composed innings provided Bangladesh with a strong foundation and helped the visitors recover from the early pressure created by Australia.
Tanzid adopted a cautious approach at the beginning but gradually played more attacking strokes whenever opportunities arose. His patience and concentration proved crucial in helping Bangladesh build a substantial first-innings advantage. (Reuters)
Important Partnerships With Mominul and Shanto
Tanzid played a key role in stabilizing Bangladesh’s innings alongside Mominul Haque, with the pair building a valuable second-wicket partnership.
He later combined with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who contributed an excellent 84 from 126 balls. Their partnership further strengthened Bangladesh’s position before Australia fought back with a series of wickets. (Reuters)
The contributions of Tanzid, Shanto and Mominul gave Bangladesh the platform to move well beyond Australia’s first-innings total of 198.
Australia Fight Back With the New Ball
Australia managed to create some pressure after taking the second new ball, claiming three quick wickets and briefly raising hopes of a comeback.
However, Bangladesh’s lower order resisted effectively in the final session and prevented Australia from regaining control.
By the close of play, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was unbeaten on 32, while Hasan Mahmud was unbeaten on 13. The pair added an unbeaten 43-run stand for the seventh wicket, ensuring Bangladesh ended the day firmly in control. (Reuters)
Australia Under Pressure
Australia had earlier been bowled out for just 198 runs, with Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud taking six wickets in the first innings. (Reuters)
That strong bowling performance was followed by disciplined batting from Bangladesh, putting the hosts under considerable pressure.
Australia’s bowling attack, including Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, managed to take wickets at important moments, but the hosts were unable to dismiss Bangladesh quickly enough to prevent a large lead.
Bangladesh Target a Bigger Lead
With four wickets still remaining, Bangladesh will enter the third day in an excellent position.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud will look to extend the lead further before Australia gets another opportunity to bat.
A lead approaching or exceeding 200 runs would put significant pressure on the Australian batting lineup, particularly after the hosts were dismissed for only 198 in their first innings.
Tanzid Hasan’s historic century, Shanto’s 84 and the late resistance from Miraz and Hasan Mahmud have given Bangladesh a major advantage in Darwin. The visitors now have an excellent opportunity to put Australia under even greater pressure on Day 3. (Reuters)
