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By Ishaan Kapoor — 16 August 2026 — 3 min read

Historic Victory in Darwin

Bangladesh has secured a landmark nine-wicket victory over Australia in the first Test in Darwin, marking their first-ever Test win on Australian soil. This significant achievement has propelled Bangladesh into fourth place in the latest ICC World Test Championship standings, moving them above India.

The match saw a dominant performance from Bangladesh, particularly from their bowling attack. Australia was bowled out for 198 in their first innings, with Hasan Mahmud leading the charge by claiming a six-wicket haul. Bangladesh then capitalised on this advantage, posting 426 runs in their first innings to establish a substantial 228-run lead. Tanzid Hasan contributed a century, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto both scored half-centuries.

Bangladesh maintained their strong position in the second innings, dismissing Australia for 284. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was instrumental, taking a five-wicket haul, and Hasan Mahmud added another three wickets, bringing his match total to nine. With only 57 runs required for victory, Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target, completing a comprehensive nine-wicket win.

Impact on World Test Championship Standings

This historic victory has had a notable impact on the ICC World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh has now moved to fourth position, boasting a points percentage of 66.67, derived from three wins in five matches.

India, a two-time finalist in the championship, currently sits in fifth position with a points percentage of 48.15, having secured four wins from nine Tests. Despite their defeat in Darwin, Australia continues to lead the WTC standings with a points percentage of 77.78, having achieved seven wins from nine Tests.

Previous Notable Test Victories

Bangladesh has a history of achieving significant Test victories against strong opponents. In 2017, they recorded their first-ever Test victory over Australia in Mirpur, securing a 20-run win on a turning pitch. In that match, Shakib Al Hasan played a crucial role, scoring 84 runs and taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Tamim Iqbal also contributed with 71 runs. In the second innings, Tamim scored 78, and captain Mushfiqur Rahim added 41, setting Australia a target of 265. Shakib completed another five-wicket haul, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two wickets, finishing with five in the match, while Taijul Islam took three wickets, bringing his match tally to four, as Australia was bowled out for 244.

Another memorable win for Bangladesh came in 2022 against then-ICC World Test Champions New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. After New Zealand posted 328, Bangladesh responded with 458, taking a 130-run first-innings lead. Ebadot Hossain then delivered a sensational six-wicket haul in the second innings, bowling out New Zealand for 169. Bangladesh comfortably chased down the 40 runs needed for victory, securing an eight-wicket win.

In 2024, Bangladesh achieved their first-ever Test victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, eventually completing a historic series sweep. In the first Test, Pakistan declared at 448 with centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. Bangladesh responded strongly with 565 runs, featuring a magnificent 191 from Mushfiqur Rahim, 93 from Shadman Islam, and half-centuries from Mominul Haque, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. With a 117-run lead, Bangladesh’s bowlers dismissed Pakistan for 174, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking four wickets and Shakib Al Hasan picking up three. Bangladesh then chased the 30-run target without losing a wicket, securing a 10-wicket victory.

The recent triumph in Darwin adds another significant chapter to Bangladesh’s cricketing history, marking their first Test win against Australia in Australia.

Source: icc-cricket.com