Tanzid Hasan Tamim has created history in just the second Test match of his career. The Bangladesh opener scored a brilliant 101 against Australia in the first Test in Darwin, becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century on Australian soil.
It was not just a maiden Test hundred for the 25-year-old. The quality of the opposition, the conditions and Bangladesh’s position in the match made this innings even more special.
Australia were bowled out for only 198 in their first innings after a superb bowling performance from Hasan Mahmud. Bangladesh then needed their batters to make that effort count, and Tanzid did exactly that.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim Test Century in Australia Creates History
Before this innings, no Bangladesh batter had scored a Test hundred in Australia.
Bangladesh had last played Test cricket in Australia way back in 2003, when they played two matches in Darwin and Cairns. The highest individual score by a Bangladesh batter on that tour was Hannan Sarkar’s 76 in the Cairns Test.
More than two decades later, Tanzid went past that mark before becoming the first Bangladesh batter to reach three figures in a Test innings in Australia.
He reached his maiden Test century from 188 balls. Considering this was only his second Test, the achievement becomes even more impressive.
Tanzid eventually departed for 101, with Nathan Lyon getting his wicket.
A Century Against Australia’s Strong Bowling Attack
What makes this innings even better is the bowling attack Tanzid had to face.
Australia had Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon in their squad, giving them an experienced frontline bowling group for the series.
Tanzid was batting in Australian conditions against some of the best Test bowlers of this generation.
He had some luck along the way as well. Nathan Lyon could not complete a difficult chance when Tanzid was yet to score, while another opportunity came when he was on 62.
However, Tanzid made full use of those chances.
He remained patient when required but did not completely move away from his natural attacking game. His six down the ground against Beau Webster was one example of the confidence with which he approached the innings.
From 32 Not Out to a Historic 101
Tanzid finished the opening day unbeaten on 32 from 67 deliveries as Bangladesh reached 96 for one after dismissing Australia for 198.
On the second day, he continued to build his innings rather than trying to attack from the start.
The left-hander eventually completed his hundred from 188 balls and celebrated an achievement no Bangladesh batter had managed before him in Test cricket.
He could have converted it into an even bigger innings. However, while looking to keep the scoreboard moving against Nathan Lyon, Tanzid was dismissed for 101.
His disappointment after getting out showed that he knew there were more runs available.
Still, the importance of those 101 runs cannot be reduced.
Previous Highest Test Score by a Bangladesh Batter in Australia
Before Tanzid’s century, Hannan Sarkar held the record for the highest Test score by a Bangladesh batter in Australia.
Sarkar scored 76 against Australia at Cairns in July 2003. In the same Test, he also made 55 in the second innings, while Habibul Bashar had scored 54 in the first Test in Darwin.
Bangladesh’s notable Test scores in Australia now include:
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim – 101, Darwin, 2026
- Hannan Sarkar – 76, Cairns, 2003
- Hannan Sarkar – 55, Cairns, 2003
- Habibul Bashar – 54, Darwin, 2003
- Habibul Bashar – 46, Cairns, 2003
- Sanwar Hossain – 46, Cairns, 2003
- Khaled Mashud – 44, Cairns, 2003
Tanzid therefore did not just become the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia; he also broke the country’s previous record for the highest individual Test score on Australian soil.
Only Second Bangladesh Batter to Score a Test Hundred Against Australia
There is another important record attached to Tanzid’s 101.
He is only the second Bangladesh batter to score a Test century against Australia anywhere in the world.
The first was Shahriar Nafees, who scored 138 against Australia at Fatullah in 2006.
The list now reads:
Shahriar Nafees – 138 vs Australia, Fatullah, 2006
Tanzid Hasan Tamim – 101 vs Australia, Darwin, 2026
For Bangladesh, that shows just how rare Test hundreds against Australia have been.
Hasan Mahmud Set It Up, Tanzid Hasan Made It Count
Bangladesh’s strong position in Darwin was first built by their bowlers.
Hasan Mahmud produced a superb spell of 6 for 55 as Australia were bowled out for 198. Steve Smith’s 71 was the only major resistance from the Australian batting line-up.
Bangladesh finished the opening day at 96 for one, only 102 runs behind, and Tanzid then made sure the bowlers’ hard work was not wasted.
This is exactly what teams need to do when playing in Australia. Creating an opportunity with the ball is one thing, but taking advantage of it with the bat is another.
Tanzid’s century allowed Bangladesh to put Australia under real pressure.
A knock for the history books. 📖🇧🇩
Tanzid Tamim’s 101 off 197 balls makes him the first Bangladesh batter to hit a Test hundred in Australia. 👏#Ausvsban
Image Credit: Jiostar pic.twitter.com/UgyWT3HdQ9
— CricInformer (@CricInformer) August 14, 2026
A Special Innings for Bangladesh Cricket
There have been several memorable performances from Bangladesh batters away from home, but this one will have its own place in the record books.
Scoring your maiden Test hundred is special for any batter. Doing it in your second Test, in Australia, against a high-quality bowling attack makes it even bigger.
For young Asian batters, the innings also showed the importance of adjusting to Australian conditions without completely giving up your natural game.
Tanzid defended when he needed to, remained patient for long periods and attacked when the opportunity was there.
The Tanzid Hasan Tamim Test century in Australia will therefore be remembered for more than just the 101 runs. He has become the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test hundred on Australian soil, breaking a national record that had stood since 2003.
For a player appearing in only his second Test, it is quite a way to announce himself in international red-ball cricket.