Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto revealed that he received a congratulatory FaceTime call from the Prime Minister after their historic Test victory over Australia. The captain said that they gave Bangladesh’s passionate cricket fans a memorable moment to celebrate following the victory.
Bangladesh secured a nine-wicket win over Australia at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on Sunday, August 16. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud and all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz played key roles. Mahmud took nine wickets and Mehidy secured five as Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Giving Bangladesh Fans Their Happiest Moment - Najmul Hossain Shanto
Speaking at the press conference, Najmul Hossain Shanto praised his team after their win over Australia in Darwin. He said that Bangladesh fans follow cricket with immense passion and often react emotionally to the team's results.
"Yes. He [Prime Minister] called us and congratulated us. He's really happy and super proud. We all know the fans are crazy about cricket, so I believe they're very happy," Najmul Hossain Shanto said.
"We give them, at least, some sort of happiness on their faces. That's the beauty of this game. In our culture, we're pretty emotional sometimes. When we lose, they cry. So I think with this win, we give them the happiest moment."
Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz Lead Bangladesh to Historic Win
The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team took control from the opening day after Hasan Mahmud produced a brilliant spell to bowl Australia out for 198. The pacer finished with 6/55, while Steve Smith top-scored for the hosts with 71.
Tanzid Hasan scored a memorable maiden Test century, becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test hundred in Australia. Najmul Hossain Shanto added 84, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a crucial lower-order innings of 65. Bangladesh took a massive 228-run lead.
Cameron Green scored 104 in Australia's second innings. It was his first Test century on home soil, but he received little support from the other end. Bangladesh continued to take wickets and eventually bowled Australia out for 284.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the main reason for Australia's collapse. The off-spinner claimed 5/66, including the wickets of Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon, to complete his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Hasan Mahmud added 3/56 as Bangladesh reduced the target to just 57 runs.
Bangladesh Make History With First Test Win in Australia
Bangladesh completed the chase comfortably in the second session on Day 4. Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for a duck, but Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 30, and Shadman Islam finished on 25 not out. Mominul hit the winning boundary to complete the victory.
Bangladesh registered their first-ever Test victory over Australia on Australian soil. They had previously lost both Tests and all six ODIs they played against Australia in the country. It was their second Test win in a SENA country after their eight-wicket win over New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in 2022.
Australia had won 18 of their previous 23 Tests and reached the last two World Test Championship finals. Bangladesh now lead the two-match series 1-0 and will travel to Mackay for the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena from August 22.
