Bangladesh Stun Australia in Darwin for First-Ever Test Win on Australian Soil
Bangladesh beat Australia by nine wickets in the first Test in Darwin on 16 August 2026 — their first Test victory on Australian soil and arguably the most significant result in the country's cricketing history.
Test cricket returned to Darwin for the first time in 22 years for this match, and it was Bangladesh's first Test series in Australia since 2003. Days before the toss, they had been bowled out for 54 by a Cricket Australia XI in a warm-up match. Nobody gave them a chance.
The tone was set on the first morning. Australia collapsed to 74 for 4 by lunch as Hasan Mahmud, leading a depleted pace attack, ripped through the top order. Mahmud finished with 6-55 as Australia were bowled out for 198 in their first innings. It was fast, hostile bowling on a pitch that offered enough movement to expose Australia's fragile batting — openers Jake Weatherald and No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne both failed across the match, leaving their positions under scrutiny.
Bangladesh responded with their most commanding away innings in years. Tanzid Hasan, in just his second Test, scored 101. Najmul Hossain Shanto made 84. They compiled 426 — a lead of 228. Josh Hazlewood took 6-89 for Australia but had little support; his teammates dropped five catches across the match.
Australia's second innings began badly and got worse. They resumed on day four at 161-4 and were bowled out for 284. Cameron Green provided the only resistance, scoring 104 — his third Test century and his first on home soil. He was even dropped on 95 by Taskin Ahmed, a tough caught-and-bowled chance, before reaching three figures. Soon after, he was gone, chopping on to Hasan Mahmud, who finished with 3-66 in the second innings.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the architect of the second-innings collapse, taking 5-66. He removed Alex Carey (30), Beau Webster (5), Pat Cummins (9) and Nathan Lyon to snuff out any hopes of a fightback. Bangladesh needed just 57 to win. They lost one wicket getting there.
What makes this result resonate beyond the scorecard is the journey from that 54 all out in the warm-up to a nine-wicket thumping of a full-strength Australia side. Bangladesh's previous best results abroad had flickered without sustained fire. This was different — a complete performance across five days, with runs from the top order, wickets from seam and spin, and catches held when it mattered. Australia's last heavy upset at home was an eight-run loss to the West Indies at the Gabba in 2024. This was heavier, and at home.
The second Test begins in Mackay on Saturday. Australia face questions about their batting depth and their catching. Bangladesh carry something they have rarely had on tour — momentum, and the belief that comes with making history.
