Darwin, August 14, 2026: Tanzid Hasan became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century in Australia as Bangladesh strengthened their position on the second day of the opening Test in Darwin, reaching 286-3 at tea on Friday.
The visitors held an 88-run lead over Australia with seven wickets remaining, after Tanzid’s superb 101 and an unbeaten 79 from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto put Bangladesh firmly in control.
Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 26 alongside Shanto at the tea interval as Bangladesh continued to wear down the Australian bowling attack.
Playing only his second Test, the 25-year-old Tanzid produced a composed and authoritative innings in ideal batting conditions in Australia’s Northern Territory capital. His century was also a landmark moment for Bangladesh, who are seeking their first Test victory on Australian soil.
Tanzid reached his half-century from 102 balls before accelerating as the innings progressed. He survived a major scare on 62 when he edged Nathan Lyon towards first slip, but Australian star Steve Smith was unable to hold a difficult chance.
The left-hander completed his century midway through the second session with a push through mid-off against Lyon. He reached the landmark from 188 balls, striking eight fours and a huge six over the boundary off the Australian spinner.
His memorable innings ended shortly afterwards when he attempted to hit Lyon out of the ground but picked out Mitchell Starc at deep mid-off.
Bangladesh had resumed the day at 96-1 after an impressive opening day in which they bowled Australia out for just 198.
Tanzid and Mominul Haque provided the visitors with a solid start, batting comfortably through the opening hour as the Australian bowlers improved considerably from their first-day performance.
The pair adopted a patient approach, rotating the strike when opportunities arose and punishing loose deliveries.
Mominul appeared set to reach his half-century but was dismissed for 49 while attempting to punch Josh Hazlewood through the off side. He produced a thick edge that was safely taken by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
The dismissal ended a 102-run partnership and left Bangladesh at 138-2, still 60 runs behind Australia’s first-innings total.
Shanto then joined Tanzid and increased the scoring tempo as the Australian attack began to tire. Following Tanzid’s dismissal, Mushfiqur came to the crease and continued the momentum alongside his captain.
With Bangladesh firmly ahead by tea and seven wickets still in hand, the visitors were in a strong position to build a substantial first-innings lead and pursue a historic maiden Test victory in Australia.
