Bangladesh ended the opening day of the first Test against Australia in a commanding position after dominating with both ball and bat in Darwin on Thursday.
Hasan Mahmud produced a career-best 6/55 to bowl Australia out for just 198. Bangladesh then reached 96/1 at stumps, trailing by only 102 runs with nine wickets in hand.
Australia captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first after winning the toss, but Bangladesh’s pacers quickly took control.
Hasan gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough when Jake Weatherald edged behind to Litton Das for 23. The pacer then bowled Travis Head for 22 as Australia slipped to 52/2.
Ebadot Hossain joined the attack and removed Marnus Labuschagne for one. Taskin Ahmed then dismissed Cameron Green for 13 just before lunch as Australia went into the break at 74/4.
Steve Smith held the Australian innings together despite receiving more than one life. He reached his fifty while wickets continued to fall at the other end.
Hasan eventually ended Smith’s resistance. The former Australia captain edged behind to Litton after making 71 from 109 balls.
That wicket completed Hasan’s five-wicket haul in his first Test appearance in Australia. He then dismissed Nathan Lyon to wrap up the innings and finish with career-best figures of 6/55. Australia were all out for 198 in 53 overs.
Bangladesh then made a confident start with the bat.
Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan added 36 for the opening wicket before Shadman departed for 20.
Mominul Haque joined Tanzid and ensured Australia could not build on the breakthrough. The pair batted with patience but did not miss opportunities to score.
Bangladesh eventually reached stumps at 96/1 after 24 overs.
Mominul remained unbeaten on 35 from 49 balls, while Tanzid was not out on 32 from 67 deliveries.
Bangladesh now trail Australia by only 102 runs and will begin the second day with nine wickets still in hand.
Hasan’s six-wicket haul, followed by the strong response from the batters, put Bangladesh firmly in control after an impressive first day in Darwin.
