Hasan Mahmud’s 6-Wicket Haul Demolishes Australia for Historic Test Low

In a dramatic opening test, the Australian cricket team collapsed to a stunning low, getting bundled out for just 198 runs in 53 overs against Bangladesh. Driven by a lethal bowling spell from 26-year-old fast bowler Hasan Mahmud, Australia suffered its lowest-ever Test total against Bangladesh.

Playing at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, Australia won the toss and elected to bat. The host side started solidly, with openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on a 45-run partnership for the first wicket. However, once the opening stand was broken, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to recover.

Unwanted Records Broken

This total marks a significant low point in Australian Test cricket history against Bangladesh:

• Lowest Total vs. Bangladesh: The score of 198 broke Australia’s previous record low of 217 against Bangladesh, set back in 2017.
• Darwin Ground Record: It is also Australia’s lowest first-innings total recorded at the Marrara Cricket Ground.

Hasan Mahmud’s Career-Best Spell

Making his Test debut against Australia, the 26-year-old Hasan Mahmud delivered a masterclass in fast bowling. He ripped through the top and middle order—taking key wickets including Travis Head and Steve Smith—to finish with career-best Test figures of 6 for 55 in 17 overs.

Supporting bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain chipped in with two wickets each to complete the rout.

For Australia, Steve Smith offered the sole resistance, scoring a gritty 71 runs—making him the only Australian batter to cross the 30-run mark. Australia’s tail folded quickly, losing their final 5 wickets for just 46 runs.

High Stakes in WTC 2025–27

This tour marks Bangladesh’s first Test series in Australia since 2003, when they suffered innings defeats in both matches.

Crucially, this series forms part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. A 2–0 series sweep is vital for Australia to solidify its chances of reaching the WTC Final, while Bangladesh is aiming for a monumental series win to keep its own final aspirations alive.