BAN v AUS, 1st Test, Review: Shakib’s 10-wicket haul scripts Bangladesh's historic win

Bangladesh have re-written the history books by beating Australia by 20 runs historically in the first Test of the two match series in Dhaka. They had beaten England on the same venue and now with this victory have proved everyone that it was not a one-off. The win has livened up the Test format as on the other day Windies shocked England by chasing 322 on the final day.

Both the teams had an equal chance going into the fourth day and the game was on edge of the knife. David Warner had counter attacked and Smith had got settled nicely which capped off the evening session of the third day in Australia’s favour. The visitors started off the new day more aggressively as the opener completed his excellent century, his second in Asia. But then Shakib’s experience came to the fore as he pinned the left hander in front of the stumps on 112 to leave one end open. Soon the Australian skipper was caught behind off the same bowler.

Visitors fighting it out till the end

Aussies were put under immense pressure with 95 runs still away from victory. Taijul Islam then, joined the party to dismiss Handscomb thanks to Soumya Sarkar’s wonderful reflexes at slip as Wade and Agar followed the suit. Maxwell was the key along with Cummins at lunchtime as they needed 66 runs with 3 wickets in hand.

Yet again the hero of the Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan, bowled a magic delivery to disturb the timber of Maxwell and then felt only the final formalities were left. But Cummins scored 33 and took Australia close which brought jitters into the Bangladeshi camp. But the hosts prevailed as Taijul scalped Josh Hazlewood in front to script a historic win.

Shakib was once again exemplary with the ball as he made up for his second innings failure with the bat. He picked up another 5-wicket haul, his 10th, and was the key player throughout this match. Taijul and Mehidy Hasan supported him well and produced vital breakthroughs whenever needed.

In the build up to the exciting match

The hosts won the toss on a dry pitch and decided to bat first but were rocked early by Pat Cummins to leave them reeling at 10/3. Then came the rescue act from Tamim and Shakib as both added 155 for the 4th wicket. Both scored half centuries but could not make it big as they were dismissed in quick succession. Bangladesh posted 260 in the first innings thanks to key lower contributions. Aussies were good with the ball as Lyon, Agar and Cummins took 3 wickets each.

In reply, the visitors never got the hold of the wicket and were reduced to 33/4. But the partnership between Handscomb and Renshaw stabilised their side with 45 and 33 respectively. But they collapsed again as Bangladesh looked set to take a huge first innings lead. Cummins and Agar made sure that didn’t happen as they were bowled out for 217, a much better score than anticipated. Shakib bowled excellently and snapped up a 5-for and secured a crucial 43 run lead.

Bangladesh were cautious in their approach in the second essay and slowly increased their lead. Once again Tamim was as solid as a rock and scored 78 who was well supported by the skipper Mushfiqur Rahim. But soon they were reduced to 186/8 and once the tail wagged and added 35 runs to get bowled out for 221 setting a target of 265 in front of the Kangaroos.

Though, it was not to be Australia in the end as the hosts got the better of them every time they looked to make a comeback. Australia collapsed from being 158/2 to 244 all out as once Warner and Smith were dismissed it was always a one-way traffic. Bangladesh has now taken 1-0 lead in the two match series and will look to sweep the visitors by winning the next match as well.

Australia, on the other hand, would need to reflect on what went wrong in this match and would love to make a strong comeback and level the series. The series so far has lived up to its expectations of being keenly fought as now the action shifts to Chittagong.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh- 1st Innings 260/10 in 78.5 overs (T Iqbal 71 (144b, 5×4, 3×6); Shakib Al Hasan 84 (133b, 11×4); Ashton Agar 3/46, Pat Cummins 3/63)

Australia- 1st Innings 217/10 in 74.5 overs (M Renshaw 45 (94b, 5×4); A Agar 41* (97b, 2×4, 1×6); Shakib Al Hasan 5/68, Mehidy Hasan 3/62)

Bangladesh- 2nd Innings 221/10 in 79.3 overs (T Iqbal 78 (155b, 8×4); M Rahim 41 (114b, 1×4, 1×6); Nathon Lyon 6/82)

Australia- 2nd Innings 244/10 in 70.5 overs (D Warner 112 (135b, 16×4, 1×6); S Smith 41* (97b, 3×4); Shakib Al Hasan 5/85, Taijul Islam 3/60)

Bangladesh won by 20 runs.

Man of the Match: Shakib Al Hasan