Tanzid Hasan celebrated his maiden Test century in only his second appearance, steering Bangladesh to a solid 351 for 6 at the close of play on Friday and putting them in a dominant position against Australia after the opening two days of the Top End series in Darwin. Hasan’s hundred came from a measured 188-ball innings, culminating with a single off veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.
After reaching the milestone, he added just one more run before lofting a delivery from the same bowler to Mitchell Starc at long‑off, a shot that marked the end of his innings. His knock was underpinned by two substantial partnerships that helped the No 9‑ranked side build a substantial first‑innings lead.
First, he combined with Mominul Haque, who contributed 49 runs, in a 102‑run stand for the second wicket. Later, Hasan added 93 runs with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, forging a third‑wicket partnership that further solidified Bangladesh’s platform. Shanto himself went on to score a brisk 84 off 126 balls before falling as part of a trio of wickets that fell in quick succession after Australia took the second new ball.
When Bangladesh resumed their innings on Friday, they were 96 for 1, still trailing by 102 runs after Australia had been bundled out for 198. However, by the end of day two Bangladesh had turned the tables dramatically, finishing with a 153‑run lead and four wickets in hand.
This turnaround was especially noteworthy because it marked Bangladesh’s first Test on Australian soil since 2003, and the visitors displayed a level of discipline with both bat and ball that exceeded most expectations. Lower‑order contributions also proved vital. Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 32 runs, while Hasan Mahmud contributed 13, and together they forged an unbroken 43‑run partnership for the seventh wicket, taking Bangladesh safely to the stumps in a position that few pundits had predicted at the start of the series. The match also featured a few moments of tension.
In the early stages of the game, Australia’s pace attack – often referred to as the "Big Four" consisting of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and off‑spinner Nathan Lyon – found their impact blunted by the disciplined batting of the visitors, who seemed comfortable in the warm, humid conditions of the Northern Territory capital. A particularly heated incident involved Mitchell Starc and Bangladesh all‑rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The two players nearly collided during Starc’s follow‑through, prompting a sharp exchange. "It’s my follow‑through, not yours – get off the wicket!" Starc shouted, before the umpires intervened and separated the players. The episode highlighted the intensity of the contest and the physicality that can arise in Test cricket.
Beyond the immediate drama, the two‑Test Top End series kicks off a grueling 12‑month schedule for Australia, which will see the hosts play a total of 20 Test matches over the next year, including tours to cricketing powerhouses such as South Africa, India and England. The series therefore serves as both a barometer of Australia’s current form and a preparation ground for the challenges that lie ahead. In addition to the on‑field action, fans can follow the ongoing cricket narrative through various platforms.
Live streaming services such as NOW offer contract‑free access to today’s matches, while comprehensive scorecards and video highlights are readily available online. For those interested in other international contests, the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket beginning on August 19, providing further high‑quality cricket content for enthusiasts worldwide. Overall, Tanzid Hasan’s breakthrough century not only provided Bangladesh with a commanding lead but also signalled a shift in momentum that could influence the entire series. His patient yet assertive approach, combined with key partnerships and lower‑order resilience, showcased the depth and adaptability of the Bangladeshi side.
As Australia looks to regroup and respond, the series promises to deliver more compelling battles, strategic adjustments, and perhaps additional moments of heated exchange as both teams vie for supremacy in the challenging conditions of the Australian Top End.