In just his second appearance in Test cricket, Tanzid Hasan delivered a landmark performance, notching his maiden hundred to steer Bangladesh to a solid 351 for 6 at the close of play on Friday. This innings placed Bangladesh in a dominant position over the visitors, Australia, after two days of the opening match of the Top End series in Darwin.
Hasan’s hundred came from a patient 188-ball effort, culminating in a single off the experienced Australian spinner Nathan Lyon. After reaching the three‑figure milestone, Hasan added only one more run before he lofted a delivery from Lyon toward Mitchell Starc, who was stationed at long‑off, thereby concluding his innings.
The Bangladeshi batsman was instrumental in forging two substantial partnerships that underpinned the team’s strong first‑innings total. He combined with Mominul Haque for a 102‑run stand for the second wicket, during which Haque contributed 49 runs. Following Haque’s dismissal, Hasan added another 93 runs in partnership with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who later went on to compile an impressive 84 from 126 balls.
Shanto’s knock, however, was cut short when he became one of three wickets that fell in a rapid four‑over spell after Australia introduced the second new ball. Australia’s reply was modest; they were bowled out for 198, leaving Bangladesh with a 153‑run lead and four wickets in hand at the end of day two.
The lead was particularly noteworthy because Bangladesh entered the match on Australian soil for the first time since 2003 and displayed a level of discipline with both bat and ball that exceeded most pre‑match expectations. Further contributions came from the lower order. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 32, and Hasan Mahmud, adding 13, compiled an unbeaten 43‑run partnership for the seventh wicket, ensuring Bangladesh finished the day on a strong footing.
The match also featured a few moments of tension. During the Australian innings, a heated confrontation erupted between fast bowler Mitchell Starc and Bangladesh all‑rounder Miraz. The two nearly collided as Starc completed his follow‑through, prompting Starc to shout, "It's my follow‑through, not yours, get off the wicket!" The umpires intervened to separate the players, highlighting the competitive edge of the contest. The Top End series, consisting of two Tests, kicks off what promises to be an arduous 12‑month itinerary for the Australian side.
Over the next year, Australia is slated to play a total of 20 Test matches, with upcoming tours to cricket powerhouses such as South Africa, India, and England. Beyond the immediate action in Darwin, cricket fans have a full calendar of international fixtures to look forward to. For instance, the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan will commence on August 19, broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket. Meanwhile, streaming platforms like NOW offer contract‑free access to live cricket and other sports, ensuring supporters can follow the game wherever they are.
In summary, Tanzid Hasan’s inaugural Test century not only marked a personal milestone but also set the tone for a compelling series. His measured approach, combined with vital partnerships and disciplined lower‑order contributions, placed Bangladesh in a commanding position after just two days of play.
The Australian team, despite fielding a formidable lineup that includes the so‑called "Big Four"—pacemen Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and off‑spinner Nathan Lyon—found themselves on the back foot in the humid, tropical conditions of the Northern Territory capital. As the series progresses, both sides will look to adapt, with Bangladesh hoping to extend their lead and Australia seeking to rebound and reclaim momentum in a demanding schedule that will test their depth and resilience across multiple continents.