Tanzid Hasan became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test century in Australia, anchoring a dominant batting display that carried Bangladesh to 351 for six at stumps on the second day of the opening Test in Darwin. The tourists, who dismissed the hosts for 198 on day one, finished the day with a commanding lead of 153 runs.
The 25-year-old opener, playing only his second Test, was in complete control during his innings of 101, featuring eight fours and a huge six. He reached his hundred off 188 balls with a push through mid-off off Nathan Lyon, having been reprieved on 62 when Steve Smith dropped a sharp chance at first slip. Tanzid fell soon after attempting another big hit, holing out to Mitchell Starc at deep mid-off.
Bangladesh had resumed on 96 for one and made a solid start through Tanzid and Mominul Haque, who added 102 runs. Mominul missed his own half-century, falling for 49 when he edged a Josh Hazlewood ball to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto then took charge with an entertaining 84, and with Mushfiqur Rahim (36), he looked set to take the match beyond Australia’s reach.
The second new ball shifted momentum, as Smith took three catches at second slip to dismiss Najmul, Mushfiqur and Litton Das (0) in quick succession. Those dismissals took Smith level with Joe Root’s record for the most catches by a fielder in Tests.
Australian hopes of wrapping up the innings were denied by Mehidy Hasan Miraz (32 not out) and Hasan Mahmud (13 not out), who added a gritty 40-run partnership. Mehidy survived a final-ball chance when Cameron Green dropped him. “They batted really well obviously,” said Australia opener Jake Weatherald. “We missed a few chances but all credit to them.”
Bangladesh are chasing their first Test victory in Australia in their third attempt, and with four wickets remaining and a lead of 153, they will enter day three in a position of strength.