‘Something we dreamed of’: Bangladesh celebrates historic cricket win

Bangladesh celebrated their historic first-ever Test win in Australia on Sunday as a monumental achievement for the country's cricketing aspirations. The nine-wicket thrashing, completed in four days in Darwin, marked their first ever Test victory on Australian soil and only their second against the formidable opposition. Former captain Akram Khan emphasized the significance of the victory, stating it was the biggest achievement for Bangladesh cricket in Test matches, something they had dreamed of but never expected Bangladesh to dominate and win with such intensity.

Former spinner and national selector Abdur Razzak credited years of investment in domestic first-class cricket and Bangladesh's Test programme for the team's progress, asserting that if they consider the team's performance in the World Test Championship, there is no reason why they shouldn't receive more Test opportunities. The victory was built on a complete team performance, with fast bowler Hasan Mahmud laying the foundation with a career-best 6-55 and Tanzid Hasan's maiden Test century providing crucial impetus.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz also made significant contributions. Former women's captain Rumana Ahmed highlighted the team's all-round display, particularly Hasan Mahmud's return to form with six wickets in the first innings and Tanzania's century, which was remarkable considering Bangladesh had been dismissed for just 54 by a Cricket Australia XI in a warm-up match days earlier.

The win was even more impressive given the odds, as Bangladesh had faced a tough challenge with their recent performance. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated the team on a video call, expressing eagerness to welcome them home. Fans were equally elated, with Sefat Hasan Sumaiya describing the win as surreal for a cricket fan and Sahadat Ahmed Bhuiya calling it one of the defining victories in the nation's cricket history.