Bangladesh strengthened its commanding position against Australia as Tanzid Hasan Tamim struck a historic maiden Test century and Najmul Hossain Shanto continued his fluent innings to take the visitors to 286-3 at Tea on the second day of the first Test on Friday.
Bangladesh now lead by 88 runs with seven wickets in hand, having added 105 runs in 27 overs during the second session. The visitors have dominated all five sessions of the Test so far after Hasan Mahmud’s career-best 6-55 helped dismiss Australia for 198 on the opening day.
Tanzid, playing only his second Test, completed a memorable century from 188 balls before eventually falling for 101 off 197 deliveries, with eight fours and a six.
His hundred made him the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia, surpassing Hannan Sarkar’s previous record of 76 at Cairns in 2003.
The left-hander showed remarkable patience after being given an early reprieve, with Nathan Lyon dropping a chance when he was yet to score. He later survived another opportunity when Steve Smith failed to hold a sharp edge at first slip.
Tanzid eventually fell to Lyon, attempting to hit the spinner down the ground but picking out Starc at long-off. His dismissal ended a superb innings but did little to halt Bangladesh’s momentum.
Shanto took charge after Tanzid’s departure, reaching 79 not out from 114 balls, including seven fours and a six. He has played with increasing freedom as Australia struggled to find a breakthrough, particularly against Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.
Mushfiqur Rahim also settled quickly, remaining unbeaten on 26 from 35 balls with four boundaries.
The pair added an unbeaten 50-run partnership by tea, ensuring Bangladesh retained control after Tanzid’s departure.
Australia used eight bowlers during the innings, with Lyon bearing the heaviest workload. The veteran spinner had figures of 1-80 from 18 overs at tea as Bangladesh’s batters repeatedly rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries.
Bangladesh had resumed the day on 96-1, with Tanzid and Mominul Haque adding 102 for the second wicket. Mominul narrowly missed a half-century, falling for 49 to Hazlewood.
With the new ball due in two overs after tea, Australia face a crucial passage if they are to find a way back into the contest.
For now, however, Bangladesh are firmly in command, 88 runs ahead and with seven wickets still in hand.
After Hasan Mahmud’s demolition of Australia’s batting, Tanzid’s historic hundred and Shanto’s unbeaten 79 have given Bangladesh a commanding platform to push for a substantial first-innings lead.
