AUS vs BAN: Tanzid Hasan Century Helps Bangladesh Take 153-Run Lead vs Australia

Bangladesh vs Australia continued to produce a fascinating contest in the first Test in Darwin as Bangladesh finished Day 2 on 351/6, securing a significant 153-run first-innings lead over Australia.

Only five wickets fell during the second day’s play, with Bangladesh’s top order building on the strong foundation laid by their bowlers on Day 1. Tanzid Hasan produced the standout performance, scoring his maiden Test century and becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test hundred in Australia.

Bangladesh Start Day 2 Strongly

Bangladesh resumed their innings at 96/1 after Australia had been bowled out for 198 on the opening day. Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque began cautiously, putting pressure back on the Australian bowlers by leaving deliveries outside the off stump and waiting for scoring opportunities.

Tanzid soon brought up his half-century from 102 deliveries. Mominul also played an important supporting role before his resistance ended when Josh Hazlewood dismissed him for 49 from 95 balls.

Australia had another opportunity to remove Tanzid when Nathan Lyon found the edge of an attempted cut. However, Steve Smith was unable to hold the catch at slip, giving the Bangladesh opener another lifeline.

Bangladesh reached lunch at 181/2, having lost just one wicket during the opening session.

Tanzid Hasan Creates History With Maiden Test Century

The defining moment of Bangladesh’s innings came during the second session when Tanzid Hasan completed his maiden Test century.

He reached the milestone from 188 balls, becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia. He also became the first visiting batter to register a Test hundred in Darwin.

Tanzid’s historic innings eventually ended on 101 from 197 deliveries. His knock included eight fours and one six and provided Bangladesh with the platform needed to establish a substantial lead.

His dismissal came when he attempted to attack Nathan Lyon but was caught at long-off by Mitchell Starc.

Najmul Hossain Shanto Adds Crucial 84

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also played a major role in strengthening his team’s position. He reached his half-century from 74 deliveries and continued to attack the Australian bowling alongside Tanzid.

Shanto eventually fell for 84 from 126 balls after being caught in the slips by Steve Smith off Josh Hazlewood. His innings contained seven fours and a six.

By the end of the second session, Bangladesh had moved to 286/3 and were already 88 runs ahead of Australia’s first-innings total.

Australia’s New Ball Produces Three Quick Wickets

Australia fought back during the final session after taking the second new ball. Hazlewood struck first by removing Shanto, while Mitchell Starc quickly added another wicket by dismissing Litton Das for a 12-ball duck.

Pat Cummins then joined the attack and removed Mushfiqur Rahim, who had contributed a valuable 36 from 55 deliveries.

Steve Smith took the catch to dismiss Rahim, bringing his total number of Test catches to 218 and allowing him to equal England’s Joe Root for the most catches in Test cricket.

Bangladesh Lower Order Resists Australia’s Attack

Australia appeared to be in position to clean up Bangladesh’s lower order after taking three wickets with the new ball. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud produced a stubborn partnership to keep the hosts from closing the innings quickly.

Mehidy remained unbeaten on 32 from 72 deliveries at the close of play, while Hasan Mahmud was not out on 13 after facing 76 balls.

Their resistance ensured that Bangladesh ended the day at 351/6 and carried a 153-run lead into the third day.

Cameron Green and Beau Webster Remain Wicketless

Australia used eight different bowlers during Bangladesh’s innings, attempting to break the partnerships and regain control of the Test.

However, pace-bowling all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster were unable to take a wicket, while Bangladesh’s batters repeatedly found ways to withstand the Australian attack.

Hasan Mahmud’s Day 1 Six-Wicket Haul Proves Crucial

Bangladesh’s strong position with the bat was built on an outstanding bowling performance on the opening day. Hasan Mahmud claimed six wickets as Australia were bowled out for only 198 in 53 overs.

Steve Smith had provided Australia’s main resistance with a valuable 71, but Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the rest of the batting lineup under sustained pressure.

That first-innings advantage has now become even more significant after Bangladesh’s top order extended the lead beyond 150 runs.

What Bangladesh Need to Do on Day 3

Bangladesh will look to add as many runs as possible before being bowled out or declaring their innings. With four wickets remaining, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be crucial in extending the lead and putting Australia under further pressure.

Australia, meanwhile, need early wickets on the third morning. Removing Miraz and Hasan Mahmud quickly would prevent Bangladesh from building an even larger advantage.

At 351/6, Bangladesh are firmly in control of the first Test after two days. Tanzid Hasan’s historic century, Shanto’s 84 and the lower-order resistance have given the visitors a commanding platform in Darwin.