Bangladesh produced one of the biggest upsets in recent Test cricket on Sunday, defeating top-ranked Australia by nine wickets in Darwin to secure their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
The result left former Australian captain Ricky Ponting stunned, while fellow Australia great Matthew Hayden described the defeat as an “embarrassing moment” for Australian cricket.
Bangladesh dominated the Test across all departments, taking a 228-run first-innings lead before chasing down a modest target with ease. Their pace attack, led by Hasan Mahmud, repeatedly troubled Australia’s batters, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and the rest of the bowling unit kept the pressure on throughout.
Ponting was particularly impressed by Bangladesh’s overall performance and admitted he had not expected such a commanding display from the visitors.
“I honestly didn’t expect Bangladesh to play cricket this well. The Bangladesh team genuinely shocked me,” Ponting said.
He praised Bangladesh’s balance and their ability to perform against Australia in conditions where the hosts were expected to dominate.
“The way they performed with their pace attack, spin bowling and batting was absolutely outstanding. They dominated Australia in every department and deservedly won the match. This is truly a historic and incredible moment for Bangladesh cricket,” he added.
Ponting was especially impressed by Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, who exposed Australia's top order and played a decisive role in the historic victory.
“Their pace attack is genuinely one of the best. Just absolutely brilliant,” he said.
Hayden, meanwhile, admitted the result was difficult to comprehend from an Australian perspective.
“I never expected this kind of performance from Australia. It’s a very embarrassing moment for Australian cricket. Full credit to Bangladesh — they played excellent cricket,” Hayden said.
Ponting also pointed to Australia’s shortcomings, saying their batters were unable to cope with Bangladesh’s pace attack. He also questioned Pat Cummins’ contribution with both ball and as captain.
“Absolutely. Australia’s batters were completely exposed against the fast bowlers. Pat Cummins’ bowling and captaincy were also below expectations,” Ponting said.
He singled out Mehidy for special praise, adding: “Mehidy Hasan Miraz was outstanding as an all-rounder.”
For Bangladesh, the victory caps a remarkable period of Test cricket, following their series win over Pakistan and making history with a landmark triumph against the No. 1-ranked side in Australia.