Bangladesh Break India, Pakistan's Massive Record With 1st Test Win In Australia

Bangladesh edge past India and Pakistan in massive feat [Source: AFP]

Bangladesh kickstarted their Australia tour with a memorable victory, defeating Australia by nine wickets in the first Test in Darwin. After Australia set a paltry 57-run target, the visitors chased it comfortably in 14.2 overs, with Mominul Haque scoring the winning runs. 

Thus, the Bangladesh team, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, not only registered its first win on Australian soil but also went past India and Pakistan in a unique record. 

Bangladesh become fastest Asian team to win a Test in Australia

Notably, Bangladesh took only three Tests to secure their first win in the format in Australia. Among the Asian powerhouses, Pakistan were the quickest to win their first Test on Australian soil, having achieved the feat in their seventh attempt, before the Tigers broke their record. 

It took 12 matches for India to win their first Test in Australia, while Sri Lanka have yet to beat the home team in their backyard despite playing 15 games. 

• Bangladesh – 3rd Test — won by 9 wickets, Darwin, 2026, This Match*
• Pakistan – 7th Test — won by 8 wickets, Sydney, 1977 (Total 4 wins)
• India – 12th Test — won by 222 runs, Melbourne, 1978 (Total 10 Wins)
• Sri Lanka – 15 Tests — yet to win in Australia
• Afghanistan – 0 Tests — yet to play a Test in Australia

The Indian team played its first Test in Australia in Brisbane way back in November 1947. They lost the first match quite embarrassingly before the next match at the SCG concluded in a draw. India suffered ten defeats in their first eleven matches in Australia before registering their maiden win at the MCG in 1978. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan's first Test in Australia dates back to December 1964. The Pakistani team put up a more impactful performance on the Australian soil than their arch rivals, securing their first win in the nation at the SCG in January 1977. 

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How has Bangladesh developed as a Test side over the years?

Bangladesh played their first two Tests in Australia way back in 2003. The Tigers were comprehensively outclassed by the home side back then, as Australia handed them innings defeats on both occasions. 

However, fast forward to 2026, Bangladesh have become a much stronger side, having rigorously developed their batting and bowling departments. Their fast bowling unit, led by Hasan Mahmud, comfortably outshone their Australian counterparts, who had the talismanic trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. 

Bangladesh's current squad members are vastly experienced, unlike their predecessors who got their first hands-on experience of the challenging Australian conditions in 2003. 

The likes of Mominul Haque and Mushfiqu Rahim are seasoned veterans of Test cricket, while Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tanzid Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ebadot and Hasan Mahmud add immense value to the table, making the Tigers a competitive unit in the longest format. 

Mackay Test: A golden opportunity for Bangladesh to register series win in Australia

The emphatic victory in Darwin marked Bangladesh's first win in Australia and gave them a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. The Tigers have never won a Test series against the Australians. So, if they extend their victorious run or manage to draw the next Test in Mackay, the visitors will join the elite teams that have defeated Australia in their backyard. 

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