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Tanzid Hasan Century Powers Bangladesh Ahead in Australia Test — AI-generated representative image: A Bangladesh batsman plays a confident drive during a Test match at a cricket ground in Darwin, Australia.

Editorial Team

Historic maiden Test ton in Darwin gives Bangladesh a 153-run lead over Australia

Tanzid Hasan became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test century in Australia as the visitors dominated the opening match to reach 351-6 at stumps on the second day in Darwin. Bangladesh lead the hosts by 153 runs with four wickets in hand, fueled by Tanzid's superb 101 and an entertaining 84 from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

The landmark innings puts Bangladesh in a strong position to secure a maiden Test victory in Australia at their third attempt. A first win on Australian soil would mark a historic breakthrough for Bangladesh cricket and underline the team's growing competitiveness in the longest format away from home.

Match Highlights

Playing just his second Test, the 25-year-old Tanzid batted with complete control against the Australian attack. He had a reprieve on 62 when he edged Nathan Lyon to first slip, where the usually reliable Steve Smith could not hold a sharp chance.

Tanzid reached triple figures with a push through mid-off off Lyon midway through the second session, taking 188 balls and hitting eight fours and a huge six. He fell soon after, attempting to hit Lyon out of the ground but only finding Mitchell Starc at deep mid-off.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was not out 32 at the close after being dropped by Cameron Green on the final ball of the day, with Hasan Mahmud alongside him on 13 following a gritty 40-run partnership.

Background and First Innings

Bangladesh entered the second day in a commanding position after bowling Australia out for 198 on the opening day. Tanzid and Mominul Haque began the morning at 96-1 and batted comfortably through the first hour, taking singles and waiting for rare loose deliveries.

Tanzid brought up his half-century shortly before the first drinks break, reaching 50 off 102 balls. Mominul looked set to join him but fell on 49, trying to punch a Josh Hazlewood delivery through the offside and edging to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Their 102-run stand took Bangladesh to 138-2, still 60 runs behind Australia's first innings total.

Wickets Fall and Fielding Milestones

Skipper Najmul joined Tanzid and immediately lifted the scoring rate, with further acceleration when Mushfiqur Rahim arrived following Tanzid's dismissal. The pair threatened to put the match beyond Australia's reach with attacking stroke play.

However, the second new ball swung momentum back to Australia as Bangladesh lost Najmul, Mushfiqur (36) and Litton Das (0) in quick succession, all caught at second slip by Smith. The three catches moved Smith level with Joe Root for the most catches by a fielder in Test cricket.

Australian opener Jake Weatherald acknowledged Bangladesh's batting, saying the visitors "batted really well" and that his side "missed a few chances" while adding the pitch appeared to be "a really good batting track."

Current Status and Next Steps

Despite the late wickets, Mehidy and Hasan steadied the innings and gradually extended Bangladesh's lead past 150. Bangladesh will resume on day three with four wickets in hand and a strong platform to push for a historic first Test win in Australia. Further play will determine whether the visitors can convert their commanding position into a landmark result.

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