Former Australia batter Mark Waugh has described Bangladesh's stunning nine-wicket victory in Darwin as one of the biggest upsets he can remember in Australian cricket. Najmul Hossain Shanto's side completed a historic win over Australia on Sunday, securing Bangladesh's first Test victory on Australian soil and only their second win against Australia in the format.
The visitors were in control for most of the opening Test and eventually chased down a target of just 57 in 14.2 overs, losing only one wicket in the process. Waugh, speaking during Fox Cricket's coverage, said the result was particularly shocking given Australia's full-strength squad and the absence of two of Bangladesh's key bowlers, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam. “This could possibly be the biggest upset I can remember in Australia,” Waugh said. The former Australia batter compared the result with West Indies' famous victory over Australia at the Gabba in January 2024, but suggested Bangladesh's triumph was an even bigger shock. “The West Indies beat Australia at the Gabba three or four years ago – that was an upset,” he said. “But this one, given their best two bowlers, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, are not playing, the rankings, the Australian team back at full strength, it’s a big one, this one.” Bangladesh's victory was built on a commanding first-innings performance. Australia, after choosing to bat first, were dismissed for 198, with Steve Smith's 71 the highest score. Bangladesh responded with 426 as the pitch became easier for batting, establishing a 228-run lead and putting Australia under enormous pressure. The hosts showed greater resistance in their second innings, largely because of Cameron Green. The allrounder scored 104 from 201 balls, registering his third Test century and first on Australian soil. However, Green received little support as Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismantled Australia's lower order. Mehidy finished with 5-66 after claiming four wickets on Day 4, including Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Australia were eventually bowled out for 284, leaving Bangladesh with only 57 runs to win. Josh Hazlewood briefly gave Australia hope by dismissing first-innings centurion Tanzid Hasan for a duck, but Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque calmly completed the chase. The result represents only Bangladesh's second Test victory over Australia after their maiden win in Dhaka in 2017. It is also a major setback for Cummins' side, with Australia now facing scrutiny ahead of the second Test in Mackay, Queensland, beginning on August 22. The defeat could also lead to questions over Australia's combination and selection after Bangladesh dominated a full-strength home side for much of the match.