Darwin, 16 August 2026:
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed his side’s belief, discipline and willingness to embrace difficult conditions after a historic nine-wicket win over Australia in the first Test in Darwin.
Bangladesh, playing only their third Test in Australia, completed a memorable victory on the fourth day to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The match also marked the return of Test cricket to Darwin after a 23-year absence.
Shanto said Bangladesh’s dominance from the opening day was built around players understanding their roles and executing the team’s plans.
“The way we dominated from day one, it was definitely a matter of pride,” Shanto said. “And the way everyone worked hard and followed the role, we got the result.”
Australia’s conditions and formidable attack presented a significant challenge, but Shanto said Bangladesh deliberately approached the assignment as an opportunity rather than something to fear.
“We enjoy these challenges rather than thinking negatively about what will happen in this condition,” he said. “Everyone enjoyed the four days and accepted the challenge very well.”
The victory was emphatically a collective effort. Hasan Mahmud, who was named player of the match, took nine wickets across the two innings, including six in the first. Tanzid Hasan scored his maiden Test century, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz made an important 65 and later claimed five wickets in Australia’s second innings.
Shanto, however, was reluctant to single out one individual.
“My Man of the Match, to be very honest, is the Bangladesh team,” he said.
“For me, Tanzid’s first 100 was definitely a special moment. He was just playing his second Test. The way Miraj performed and the way he came to this condition, the way he batted and bowled, it was outstanding.”
Shanto also highlighted the contributions from Bangladesh’s tail, saying the runs supplied by Hasan, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain had been crucial.
The captain reserved special praise for Bangladesh’s bowling unit. He said the opening spell on the first morning set the tone before the experienced spin combination of Mehidy and Taijul capitalised later in the match.
“I think Hasan has been outstanding. He consistently performed,” Shanto said. “Before he came here, he played county cricket and he performed there. So, he has that experience to bowl similar kind of condition.”
“Again, we have two quality spinners, Taijul and Miraj. So, I think Miraj used the condition pretty well, especially the second innings.”
Shanto believes the result also delivered a broader message about Bangladesh’s ability to compete away from home.
“I think we have given a good message to world cricket. That we have the ability to play in any condition,” he said.
“I hope this joy will be a good example for Test cricket in the future. And I hope everyone will invite us to play in such conditions.”
The significance of the victory was already being felt back home, where Shanto said the result had brought happiness to Bangladesh’s passionate supporters.
“In Bangladesh, we all know the fans are really crazy about cricket,” he said. “So, I really believe they are very happy. And we give something to them, at least some sort of happiness in their faces.”
“In our culture, we’re pretty emotional. Sometimes when we lose, they cry. So, I think this win, we give them the happiest moment.”
Despite the scale of the achievement, Shanto was already looking toward the second Test.
“This match gives us confidence, but I’m not too much thinking about this one,” he said. “Next match, we need to play again good cricket.”
