Tanzid’s Century Takes Bangladesh Past Australia in Darwin

Bangladesh took control of the Darwin Test by moving ahead of Australia in the first innings. In reply to the hosts’ 198, the visitors reached 231 for 2 after lunch on the second day, taking a 32-run lead under captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

The architect of that advantage was young left-handed opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who produced a memorable century in only his second Test match. He also became just the second Bangladeshi batter to score a Test hundred against Australia.

 A Century Worth Celebrating

Tanzid reached three figures with a single off Nathan Lyon and immediately raised both arms in celebration. Captain Shanto embraced him, while teammates in the dressing room applauded the landmark moment.

His innings was a fine blend of attack and discipline, featuring 8 fours and 1 six from 188 deliveries.

Crucial 102-Run Stand with Mominul

Bangladesh lost Mominul Haque for 49 in the first session, caught behind off Josh Hazlewood. Before departing, however, Mominul added a vital 102-run partnership with Tanzid.

The stand provided the foundation for Bangladesh’s innings and helped the visitors recover from the early pressure created by Australia’s pace attack.

 Shanto Keeps the Momentum Going

After Mominul’s dismissal, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto joined Tanzid and the pair carried Bangladesh beyond Australia’s total.

By the time Tanzid completed his century, their third-wicket partnership had added 92 runs. Shanto also looked in excellent touch, reaching his half-century from 74 balls with positive and confident stroke play.

 Australia Waste Their Chances

Australia had opportunities to dismiss Tanzid during the morning session but failed to make them count.

Steven Smith dropped him in the slips off Nathan Lyon. After a cautious start, Tanzid gradually became more aggressive, even launching Beau Webster over mid-off for six to bring up the century partnership with Mominul.

 Bangladesh Have Controlled the Match from the Start

The visitors had seized control on the opening day itself when Hasan Mahmud’s brilliant 6-wicket haul bowled Australia out for 198. Steve Smith’s 71 was the only major resistance from the hosts.

Bangladesh then responded strongly with the bat, and the Tanzid-Mominul partnership ensured that the pressure was completely absorbed.

 A New Name in Bangladesh’s History

The first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century against Australia was Shahriar Nafees in Fatullah in 2005. More than two decades later, Tanzid Hasan Tamim has joined that exclusive list.

To achieve it in only his second Test, and in Australian conditions, speaks volumes about both his talent and his temperament.

 Bangladesh Dominate Five Sessions in a Row

From the three sessions on day one to the two sessions before lunch on day two, Bangladesh have now controlled five consecutive sessions of the Test.

The next objective is clear: build a much bigger lead and push Australia further out of the game.

What is unfolding in Darwin is no longer just a strong Test performance—it is beginning to look like a new chapter of belief for Bangladesh in Australia.