Bangladesh moved into a commanding position against Australia by lunch on the second day of the Darwin Test, with Tanzid Hasan continuing his impressive innings and helping his side build on an excellent opening day.
Tanzid reached 74 by the interval after sharing a valuable 102 run stand for the second wicket with Mominul Haque. Mominul narrowly missed a half century, departing for 49, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 28 alongside Tanzid.
Resuming at 96 for 1, Bangladesh approached the morning session with patience. Tanzid and Mominul resisted Australia’s pace attack, choosing their scoring opportunities carefully while protecting the strong platform created on day one.
Mominul brought up Bangladesh’s 100 with a flick through square leg off Pat Cummins. The pair continued steadily before Tanzid increased the tempo against Beau Webster, advancing down the pitch and striking him over the top. That attacking stroke also completed the century partnership.
Australia finally found a breakthrough when Josh Hazlewood tempted Mominul into an edge outside off stump, with the wicketkeeper completing the dismissal.
Tanzid later survived another major scare. An attempted cut against Nathan Lyon produced an edge, but Alex Carey, Steven Smith and the ball became involved in a missed opportunity that allowed the Bangladesh opener to continue. It was Tanzid’s second escape after Lyon had earlier put him down before he had scored.
Shanto settled quickly and struck two well timed boundaries from Cameron Green as Bangladesh maintained control.
Their strong batting position followed an outstanding bowling display on the opening day. Hasan Mahmud claimed six wickets as Australia were dismissed for only 198 from 53 overs.
With Tanzid still at the crease and Bangladesh’s senior batters showing discipline, the visitors entered the second afternoon with an excellent opportunity to establish a significant first innings advantage.
