The 26-year-old pacer Hasan Mahmud produced a sensational spell to dismantle Australia in the first Test in Darwin, claiming six wickets as the hosts were bowled out for just 198. The Bangladesh pacer finished with outstanding figures of 6/55 from 17 overs, playing the leading role in a stunning collapse.
Australia's 198 is their lowest-ever total in Test cricket against Bangladesh and their second lowest first-innings score in a WTC Test at home. Steve Smith top-scored for Australia with 71, but no other batter managed to cross 25 as Bangladesh's bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
Hasan Mahmud's 6-wicket haul destroys Australia
Hasan struck repeatedly as Australia struggled to cope with Bangladesh's attack. He removed opener Travis Head for 22 and Jake Weatherald for 23, while Steve Smith's 71 also came to an end at the hands of the right-arm pacer.
Hasan returned later to clean up the Australian lower order, dismissing captain Pat Cummins for 9, Mitchell Starc for 1 and Nathan Lyon for 7. His six wickets accounted for a major portion of Australia's collapse.
Bangladesh also got important contributions from Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, who took two wickets each. Australia were eventually bowled out in only 53 overs, with Josh Hazlewood unbeaten on 4.
The performance gave Hasan one of the most memorable bowling spells by a Bangladesh bowler in Australia and left the hosts facing an early uphill battle in the Test.
More to follow...
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