Bangladesh had made a bold statement ahead of the Test series against Australia that they would go on to win 2-0. It was an overwhelming statement given the fact that the Bangla Tigers hadn’t defeated the Aussies ever in their history but after the first match, it won’t be wrong to say that Bangladesh is on their way to realizing their dream of defeating Australia 2-0. It was an exceptional all-round performance by Bangladesh and they won the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur.
Shakib Al Hasan was the standout performer for the hosts as the all-rounder finished with 10 wickets in the match and also scored a brilliant 84 in the 1st innings. Especially in the 2nd innings, it was Shakib who started the slide with his immaculate line and length. It was a spin friendly track which offered assistance to the other spinners as well.
Mehedi Hasan bagged 5 wickets while left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also returned with 4 wickets in the match. It was a combined effort by the spinners to hand Bangladesh their first ever Test victory against the Kangaroos. The Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim was overwhelmed with their performance and credited the boys for creating history. He gave special mention to Shakib who became only the 2nd player after Richard Hadlee to score a half-century and bag 10 wickets in the same Test.
“It’s a great feeling, credit to the boys especially to Shakib. He was brilliant. We have been consistent in home conditions. Against England also we beat them in the second game. Shakib and Taijul bowled really well. There is a lot of room to improve. The lower order has got better. But in this match the wicket was very tough to bat. We got eight wickets, the fielders too chipped in. Hopefully, we will come hard in the next game as well. It was like snakes moving all around (on wicket keeping on this track). Thanks to the crowd as well,” Mushfiqur Rahim said at the presentation ceremony.