Hasan Mahmud’s historic six-for leaves Australia at new low against Bangladesh

Hasan Mahmud became the first Bangladesh bowler to claim a six-wicket haul against Australia in Test cricket.

Published on: Aug 13, 2026, 13:56:35 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Hasan Mahmud produced a memorable spell on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, ripping through the hosts’ batting lineup with six wickets. The right-arm pacer finished with figures of 6/55 as Australia were bowled out for just 198, giving Bangladesh a strong start in the contest. Steve Smith stood firm amid the collapse, scoring 71, but the rest of the Australian batting order struggled against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.

Bangladesh bowler Hasan Mahmud (C) holds the ball aloft after taking six wickets against Australia. (AFP)

Australia’s total was their lowest in seven Tests against Bangladesh and came nine years after they were dismissed for 217 in Mirpur in 2017, when Bangladesh recorded their only Test win over Australia.

Hasan’s six-wicket haul also ranks among the best innings figures by a Bangladesh fast bowler in Test cricket. Only Shahadat Hossain, with 6/27, and Ebadot Hossain, with 6/46, have taken six wickets in an innings with better figures for Bangladesh. It was a landmark performance for Hasan on Australian soil.

Best bowling figures by BAN pacers in Tests

6/27 - Shahadat Hossain vs SA, Mirpur, 2008

6/46 - Ebadot Hossain vs NZ, Mount Maunganui, 2022

6/55 - Hasan Mahmud vs AUS, Darwin, 2026*

6/64 - Taskin Ahmed vs WI, North Sound, 2024

6/71 - Robiul Islam vs ZIM, Harare, 2013

6/81 - Manjural Islam vs ZIM, Bulawayo, 2001

Before this Test, Mohammad Rafique’s 5/62 stood as the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh bowler against Australia. Mahmud has now surpassed that mark with his six-wicket haul, becoming the first Bangladesh bowler to claim a six-wicket haul against Australia in Test cricket.

5-fers for BAN vs AUS in Tests

6/55 - Hasan Mahmud, Darwin, 2026*

5/62 - Mohammad Rafique, Fatullah, 2006

5/68 - Shakib Al Hasan, Mirpur, 2017

5/85 - Shakib Al Hasan, Mirpur, 2017

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Hasan was at the heart of Bangladesh’s bowling effort, making life difficult for Australia’s batters throughout his spell. He made the first breakthrough in the 12th over when Jake Weatherald went after a ball outside off and edged it behind to Litton Das for 23. Hasan struck again soon after, with Travis Head chopping on for 22 to leave Australia 52/2. He returned later and removed Australia captain Pat Cummins, who edged behind while trying to steer the ball away. Hasan then completed his fourth wicket when Mitchell Starc nicked a delivery through to the wicketkeeper for a thin edge. Smith, who had top-scored with 71, also fell attempting a big shot, while Nathan Lyon was dismissed in similar fashion as Australia were bowled out for 198.

In reply, Mitchell Starc drew first blood by dismissing Shadman Islam for 20. The wicket also saw the Australian pacer move to the top of the list for most Test wickets by a left-arm bowler in cricket history.

Most Test wickets by a left-arm bowler

434* - Mitchell Starc (AUS)

433 - Rangana Herath (SL)

414 - Wasim Akram (PAK)

362 - Daniel Vettori (NZ)

355 - Chaminda Vaas (SL)

348 - Ravindra Jadeja (IND)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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