Darwin, August 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bangladesh produced one of the most significant victories in their cricket history on Sunday, defeating a full-strength Australia side in the first Test of the ongoing two-match series in Darwin.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto described the triumph as “the biggest win for Bangladesh in any format”, a verdict that reflects the scale of the achievement. Bangladesh entered the Test without premier fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, both sidelined by injuries, but still managed to overcome an Australian side featuring Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
The Darwin triumph joins a select group of landmark upsets that have shaped Bangladesh’s rise in international cricket.
1. 1999 World Cup: Bangladesh stun Pakistan
Bangladesh announced their potential on the world stage at the 1999 ODI World Cup by defeating Pakistan in Northampton.
After Bangladesh posted 223/9, Khaled Mahmud spearheaded a remarkable bowling effort, taking three wickets as Pakistan collapsed to 161 all out. Mahmud dismissed Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saleem Malik, contributing to Pakistan’s slide to 42/5.
The victory became an important milestone in Bangladesh’s emergence as an international force and came a year before they secured full-member ICC status in 2000.
2. 2005: Bangladesh shock Australia in Cardiff
Bangladesh stunned the Australian world champions in the 2005 NatWest series, recording their first ODI victory over Australia.
Australia made 249/5 after Damien Martyn scored 77 and Michael Clarke contributed 54. Bangladesh then chased down the target, with Mohammad Ashraful producing a memorable century from 101 balls. Aftab Ahmed added a rapid 21 off 13 deliveries as Habibul Bashar’s side secured a historic five-wicket victory.
3. 2007 World Cup: India suffer a major upset
Bangladesh defeated a star-studded India in the 2007 ODI World Cup in the Caribbean.
India were bowled out for 191, with Mashrafe Mortaza taking four wickets and Abdur Razzak and Mohammad Rafique claiming three each. Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 56 from 107 balls, while Shakib Al Hasan scored 53 off 86 deliveries.
Rahim and Mohammad Ashraful completed the chase as Bangladesh won by five wickets, a result that contributed to India’s early exit from the tournament.
4. 2022: Bangladesh defeat New Zealand in Mount Maunganui
Bangladesh achieved their first Test victory in a SENA nation when they defeated New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in 2022.
New Zealand, the reigning World Test champions, made 328 in the first innings, with Devon Conway scoring a century. Bangladesh responded with 458, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shanto, Mominul Haque and Litton Das all making half-centuries.
Ebadot Hossain then claimed six wickets as New Zealand were dismissed for 169. Bangladesh completed an eight-wicket victory, ending New Zealand’s 17-match winning streak at home.
5. 2026: Bangladesh tame Australia in Darwin
The latest triumph could prove the most significant of them all.
Australia were bowled out for 198 in their first innings after Hasan Mahmud claimed six wickets. Tanzid Hasan Tamim then scored a century as Bangladesh amassed 426.
Cameron Green’s century helped Australia fight back in the second innings, but the hosts were dismissed for 284, leaving Bangladesh a target of only 57. The visitors completed the chase with nine wickets in hand.
Coming without Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam yet defeating a full-strength Australian side, Bangladesh’s Darwin victory has added another defining chapter to their cricketing history.
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