Dhaka: Bangladesh have become the second fastest team to win their first Test on Australian soil, achieving the landmark in just their third match Down Under. Bangladesh ended a 23-year wait for a Test victory in Australia with an impressive nine-wicket win over the hosts in Darwin today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, only England needed fewer matches to secure their first Test victory in Australia. The English side achieved the feat in just two Tests, while Bangladesh joined South Africa in second place after requiring three matches. The West Indies needed five Tests, Pakistan and New Zealand seven each, while India had to wait 12 Tests for their first victory in Australia.
Bangladesh's achievement came 23 years after their first two Tests in Australia, both of which ended in heavy defeats. In 2003, Australia beat Bangladesh by an innings and 132 runs in Darwin before winning the second Test in Cairns by an innings and 98 runs. Bangladesh then had to wait until 2026 for another opportunity to play a Test on Australian soil.
The wait finally ended in Darwin and Bangladesh produced a historic performance to silence the critics. After dismissing Australia for 198 in the first innings, Bangladesh posted 426 to secure a 228-run lead. Australia were bowled out for 284 in their second innings, leaving Bangladesh with a target of 57 runs.
Najmul Hossain Shanto's side, however, reached the target for the loss of just Tanzid Hasan Tamim's wicket, completing their first Test victory in Australia and rewriting a significant chapter in Bangladesh cricket history.