Mehidy Hasan Miraz Eyes Historic Series Win in Australia

Bangladesh have opened the door to a historic Test series triumph in Australia after securing a memorable victory in the opening match in Darwin. With the second and final Test approaching, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz says the team are already thinking about the possibility of completing a 2–0 series win.

A victory in Mackay would give Bangladesh a clean sweep over Australia, while even a draw would be enough to secure the series. For Miraz, however, the immediate priority is not to celebrate the Darwin success but to maintain the momentum and prepare for another demanding Test.

“We are certainly thinking about it, and we want to stay focused on the plan with which we have moved forward,” Miraz told the International Cricket Council. “After winning the first match, a bigger challenge is waiting for us. But winning a Test match is never easy. At this moment, we want to maintain this momentum.”

Miraz was one of the central figures in Bangladesh’s victory in Darwin. He contributed a valuable half-century with the bat before producing a decisive spell in the second innings, taking five wickets to help Bangladesh complete the win. His all-round contribution proved particularly important in a match in which Bangladesh had to withstand the pressure of playing Australia in unfamiliar conditions.

He was not alone in making a major impact. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud claimed nine wickets in the match, including six in the first innings, while opening batter Tanzid Hasan produced an outstanding century. Their performances helped Bangladesh recover strongly after a disappointing build-up to the Test.

Before the series opener, Bangladesh had suffered an innings defeat against a Cricket Australia XI in their warm-up match. Their second innings in that game ended at just 54, raising questions about their readiness for the conditions. The team management, however, continued to back the players and encouraged them to retain their confidence.

Miraz credited team manager Nafees Iqbal for helping him deal with the difficult period and understand how to approach cricket in Australian conditions. He said their discussions gave him confidence, with Iqbal even bowling to him in the nets at one stage.

Bangladesh’s spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed also played a significant role in rebuilding belief after the preparation-match defeat. Miraz recalled how Mushtaq spoke individually to the players and urged them to trust their abilities. That message, he suggested, helped the squad turn disappointment into confidence.

The stakes are now considerably higher. A series whitewash would not only represent one of Bangladesh’s most significant Test achievements abroad but would also strengthen their position in the World Test Championship standings. According to the scenario outlined around the series, a 2–0 victory would lift Bangladesh to third place and significantly improve their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final for the first time.

The second and final Test is scheduled to begin in Mackay on 22 August. Bangladesh now have a rare opportunity: turn an unexpected breakthrough in Darwin into a historic series victory on Australian soil.