Bangladesh players pose for a photo after their team's victory on the fourth day of the first cricket Test match between Australia and Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on August 16, 2026. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)
Darwin, Australia: A dominant Bangladesh stunned Australia to win the opening Test by a crushing nine wickets in Darwin on Sunday for a historic first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
After bowling Australia out for 284 and needing 57 to win, the visitors cruised past the total when Mominul Haque slashed Beau Webster to the backward point boundary.
Unfancied Bangladesh dominated a full-strength Australia throughout and the margin of victory will send shock waves through the cricketing world.
"This is the biggest win so far for Bangladesh in any format," captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said.
"Going forward we want to do something special in the future.
"I'm very happy, proud of myself and the way the boys played. We did a lot of hard work."
After bowling Australia out for 198 in the first innings, the visitors always looked the more likely to win.
Bangladesh fans cheer their team on to victory on the fourth day of the first cricket Test match between Australia and Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium in Darwin on August 16, 2026. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)
They kept the pressure on throughout Sunday and didn't panic when Cameron Green (104) brought up his third Test century after lunch on day four.
Green was offered no real support from his teammates and the Bangladeshis kept taking vital scalps to leave Australia on the ropes, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking 5-66.
Najmul said the shock win was the result of Bangladesh players, especially the fast bowlers, putting more emphasis on red-ball cricket.
"Five years ago pacers didn't want to play Tests, but we've been playing lots of Test cricket and they are giving importance to the Test format," he said.
"They want to play, want to perform, want to be world-class. That is the mindset they now have."
Australia captain Pat Cummins was full of praise for their opponents, admitting Bangladesh were better in every aspect.
It was Bangladesh's first Test win in Australia, at the third attempt.
"They outplayed us in all facets, they were patient and disciplined," said Cummins.
"I thought our prep was spot-on, no excuses.
"They played well. We had to find a way to bat longer and then we couldn't penetrate with the ball."
