Hassan Mahmud leads Bangladesh with six‑wicket haul in first innings

In the opening Test at Darwin, Bangladesh’s pace spearhead Hassan Mahmud delivered a career‑defining performance, claiming six wickets for 55 runs and steering his side to a decisive lead.

Australia were bowled out for 198, with Mahmud dismissing key batsmen Travis Head, Jack Warner, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. His relentless line and length forced the Australians into a premature collapse.

Bangladesh’s reply was anchored by a 60‑run partnership between Tanzid Hasan Tamim (32 off 67) and Mominul Haque (35 off 49, six fours). After a brief early setback—Shadman Islam’s dismissal for 20—the duo steadied the innings, allowing Bangladesh to finish the day at 96 for one.

The only Australian wicket to fall during Bangladesh’s first day was Mitchell Starc, who was caught while attempting to break the Tamim‑Haque partnership.

Supporting bowlers Taskeen Ahmed and Ibadat Husain each added two wickets, complementing Mahmud’s effort. On the Australian side, Steve Smith’s 71 stood out as the lone substantial contribution, while the rest of the lineup struggled to find rhythm.

Bangladesh’s captain praised Mahmud’s spell, emphasizing how the six‑wicket haul set the tone for the series and gave the visitors a psychological edge heading into the second day.