Dbarta24 Sports Desk — A landmark century from opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and a gritty captain’s knock from Najmul Hossain Shanto propelled Bangladesh into a dominant position on Day 2 of the Darwin Test.
Replying to Australia’s first-innings total of 198, the visitors reached 351 for 6 at stumps, building a formidable 153-run lead.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (32*) and Hasan Mahmud (13*) navigated a tricky final session to stitch together an unbroken 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket, ensuring Bangladesh closed out another highly successful day on Australian soil.
Historic Milestones Set early Tone
Bangladesh began the day on a strong footing as Mominul Haque and Tanzid Hasan consolidated the innings. The duo put together a crucial 102-run stand for the second wicket—the highest partnership for Bangladesh in Test cricket on Australian soil.
Mominul fell just short of a well-deserved half-century, edging Josh Hazlewood behind to slip for 49 off 95 balls.
Tanzid continued his relentless approach alongside skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto. While Shanto raced to his fifty in 74 balls, Tanzid etched his name into the history books by bringing up his maiden Test hundred off 188 deliveries.
He became the first Bangladeshi batter ever to score a Test century on Australian soil. Tanzid’s memorable knock finally ended at 101 off 197 balls when he was caught by Mitchell Starc off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.
Australia Strikeback With the New Ball
Shanto looked set to join Tanzid in reaching triple figures, but Australia clawed their way back into contention once they took the second new ball.
Hazlewood removed Shanto for a fluent 84 off 126 balls, triggering a quick succession of wickets.
Australia’s slip cordon proved lethal as Steve Smith took three consecutive catches at second slip to dismiss Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (36), and Litton Das (0).
The mini-collapse reduced Bangladesh from a comfortable position to 308 for 6, giving the hosts a brief window of momentum.
Resilient Lower-Order Resistance
Despite the pressure, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and tailender Hasan Mahmud displayed remarkable patience and composure. The pair safely navigated 76 and 73 deliveries respectively to steady the innings.
Miraz enjoyed a moment of good fortune on the final ball of the day when Cameron Green put down a catch at gully off Marnus Labuschagne.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Bangladesh walked off at stumps firmly in control, looking to expand their 153-run cushion on Day 3 and push the hosts further onto the back foot.