Hasan Mahmud Six-Wicket Haul Puts Bangladesh on Top Against Australia in Darwin

Bangladesh enjoyed a memorable opening day against Australia in Darwin, with Hasan Mahmud delivering a superb fast-bowling performance before the visiting batters strengthened their team's position late in the day.

Australia chose to bat first after winning the toss and initially appeared comfortable. Openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head put together a 45-run opening partnership, but Bangladesh quickly changed the direction of the innings once Hasan found his rhythm. Weatherald departed for 23 before Head followed for 22, leaving the hosts under pressure.

Australia's problems increased as their middle order struggled to establish partnerships. Marnus Labuschagne managed only one run, while Cameron Green was dismissed for 13. Bangladesh's pacers maintained their discipline and continued to create opportunities on a surface offering assistance to the bowlers.

Steve Smith provided the resistance Australia desperately needed. The experienced batter held the innings together with a determined 71 from 109 deliveries, hitting seven fours and one six. However, he received limited support as Bangladesh continued to take wickets around him.

Hasan eventually brought Smith's innings to an end, completing a career-best 6/55. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain also played important roles, taking two wickets each as Australia were dismissed for only 198. It was Australia's lowest Test total against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh then showed that their strong position was not built solely on favourable bowling conditions.

The visitors lost Shadman Islam after an opening stand of 36, but Australia were unable to turn that breakthrough into a batting collapse. Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque responded with an unbeaten partnership to safely take Bangladesh through to stumps.

Bangladesh ended Day 1 strongly at 96/1, with Mominul unbeaten on 35 and Tanzid on 32, trailing Australia by 102 runs. Mitchell Starc became Test cricket’s leading left-arm wicket-taker, but Hasan Mahmud’s six-wicket haul ensured Bangladesh held the advantage heading into Day 2.