Tanzid Makes History With Bangladesh Test Century Australia

Darwin: (Sports Desk) – Tanzid Hasan made history on Friday by becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century in Australia, helping Bangladesh seize control of the opening Test in Darwin.

Bangladesh finished the second day on 351-6, taking a commanding 153-run lead over Australia with four wickets still remaining. Tanzid produced a superb 101, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto added an entertaining 84 to strengthen the visitors’ position.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was unbeaten on 32 at stumps, while Hasan Mahmud was not out on 13. The pair added a valuable 40 runs after Bangladesh lost three wickets in quick succession.

Australia had opportunities to fight back, but several missed chances allowed Bangladesh to maintain their advantage. Mehidy was dropped by Cameron Green off the final delivery of the day.

Australian opener Jake Weatherald acknowledged Bangladesh’s strong batting effort, while noting that the pitch appeared to have improved for batting since Australia’s first innings.

Tanzid, playing only his second Test, showed remarkable composure against Australia’s pace attack and looked comfortable throughout his innings. The 25-year-old reached his half-century from 102 balls before continuing to build a historic hundred.

He survived a major scare on 62 when he edged Nathan Lyon towards first slip, only for Steve Smith to put down a difficult chance.

Tanzid eventually reached three figures during the second session, guiding Lyon through mid-off to complete his maiden Test century. He faced 188 deliveries and struck eight fours along with a huge six.

His celebrations were short-lived, however, as he attempted to attack Lyon again shortly afterwards and picked out Mitchell Starc at deep mid-off.

Bangladesh began the day at 96-1 after bowling Australia out for just 198 on the opening day. Tanzid and Mominul Haque initially consolidated their position, putting together a 102-run partnership.

Mominul narrowly missed out on his half-century, falling for 49 after edging Josh Hazlewood to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. His dismissal left Bangladesh at 138-2, still 60 runs behind Australia’s first-innings total.

Shanto then joined Tanzid and increased the scoring tempo as Australia’s bowlers began to tire. After Tanzid departed, Mushfiqur Rahim partnered with his captain, and Bangladesh appeared capable of establishing an even bigger advantage.

Australia fought back with the second new ball, removing Shanto, Mushfiqur for 36 and Litton Das for a duck in rapid succession. All three dismissals were caught at second slip by Smith.

The catches moved Smith level with England’s Joe Root for the most catches by a fielder in Test cricket.

Australia looked poised to finish Bangladesh’s innings before the close, but Mehidy and Hasan Mahmud resisted effectively to push the lead beyond 150 runs.

Tanzid Calls Century “Very Special”

Tanzid said he struggled to put into words what the historic achievement meant to him.

“I can’t describe it in words, but it was very special for me,” the 25-year-old opener said after the day’s play.

He added that he enjoys playing in such conditions and felt the Darwin pitch was becoming increasingly favourable for batting.

The century marked a major milestone for Tanzid, who has primarily established his reputation in limited-overs cricket. His composed performance against Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood has now put Bangladesh in a strong position as they chase their first-ever Test victory in Australia.