Mehidy Hasan Miraz Scores Century in First Day of Australia Practice Match

Bangladesh endured a difficult start with the bat but recovered strongly thanks to a magnificent century from Mehidy Hasan Miraz on the opening day of the three-day tour match against a Cricket Australia XI at Marrara Oval in Darwin.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 263 in their first innings. In reply, the Cricket Australia XI reached 51 for 2 at stumps, trailing by 212 runs.

The innings began poorly for Bangladesh as opener Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for a duck in the third over. Although several top-order batters got starts, none were able to convert them into substantial scores.

The main threat came from off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who produced an impressive spell of 6 wickets for 24 overs. The right-arm spinner proved especially effective against Bangladesh’s left-handers, dismissing Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar and Taijul Islam. He also removed Mushfiqur Rahim and Hasan Mahmud.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was the highest scorer among the top-order batters, making 37 from 53 balls, while opener Shadman Islam contributed 31 from 47 deliveries. Regular wickets in the middle overs left Bangladesh under significant pressure, and Mushfiqur also departed without scoring.

With the innings in danger of collapsing, Mehidy Hasan Miraz took control from number seven. Batting with composure and determination, he held one end together and gradually rebuilt the innings. After reaching his half-century, Miraz went on to complete an unbeaten 109, lifting Bangladesh to a competitive total. No other batter managed a fifty, making his century the defining performance of the day.

The match is part of Bangladesh’s preparation for their upcoming Test series in Australia, their first Test tour of the country in 23 years. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Darwin on 13 August, while the second will be played in Mackay from 22 August.