Published By: Sayan Guha

Revisiting Bangladesh’s Three Surprising Test Wins: Shocking the Cricketing World, One Victory at a Time

As Bangladesh prepare for their Test series against India, let’s revisit the moments when the Tigers defied expectations and claimed some of their most unforgettable wins

Test cricket is typically seen as the final test of a team's mettle, and Bangladesh has demonstrated throughout the years that they are not to be overlooked. With the two-match Test series against India about to begin at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Tigers are coming off a historic 2-0 series victory in Pakistan. Bangladesh has already made headlines with surprising Test triumphs. Here's a look back at their three most memorable victories, where they upset the odds and dominated the narrative.

Bangladesh vs Australia, 2017

When it comes to giant-killing performances, Bangladesh's 2017 triumph against Australia at Mirpur stands out. The Tigers had never beaten Australia in a Test match before this win, so it was momentous.

Bangladesh scored 260 in the first innings, with Shakib Al Hasan (84) and Tamim Iqbal (71) leading the way. Australia responded by being bundled out for 217, thanks to Shakib's magnificent 5/68. Despite Tamim's valiant 78 in the second innings, Bangladesh could only manage 221, setting Australia with a target of 265.

At 109 for 2, with David Warner hitting a century (112) and Steve Smith (37) on his side, it appeared like Australia had the game wrapped up. However, in one of the most thrilling turns in recent Test history, Bangladesh clawed their way back. 

Shakib was once again the hero, taking another five-wicket haul (5/85) as Australia collapsed to 244 all out, 20 runs short. It was just the 11th time in Test history when a bowler took five wickets in each innings. 

Bangladesh vs England, 2016

Bangladesh achieved its first Test victory over England in 2016, marking a watershed moment in the country's cricket history. The scene was set in Dhaka, and the Tigers were ready to create history. Bangladesh had their backs against the wall after scoring 220 in their first innings, with Tamim Iqbal hitting a superb 104, as England scored 244, gaining a slender 24-run lead.

On the other hand, Bangladesh rallied in the second innings, scoring 296, largely owing to Imrul Kayes (78) and Mahmudullah (47). Set a target of 273, England's openers, Alastair Cook (59) and Ben Duckett (56), put on a century stand, and the hosts appeared to be losing control of the contest.

Then came the magic: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, only 19 years old at the time, weaved a web around the English batters and claimed 6/77. England crumbled miserably, losing all ten wickets for 64 runs, giving Bangladesh a 108-run win. Mehidy finished the match with 12 wickets, becoming only the second Bangladeshi bowler to take ten wickets in a game. 

Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 2024

Fast-forward to 2024, when Bangladesh has just won one of their most important Test series, defeating Pakistan 2-0 in Pakistan. This was their first Test series triumph over Pakistan, and just the fourth away series win in history.

Pakistan started well with 274 in the second Test at Rawalpindi, but Bangladesh's response was terrible, with the team falling to 26/6. Enter Litton Das, who delivered a knockout performance. His 138 from 206 balls and Mehidy Hasan's important 78 helped Bangladesh rebound to 262, with Pakistan's Khurram Shahzad getting 6/90.

In the second innings, Bangladesh's bowlers took the lead. Hasan Mahmud blasted through Pakistan's batting line-up, collecting 5/43 as the hosts were dismissed for 172. Bangladesh's batters retained their nerve while chasing a 185-run target, with Zakir Hasan getting 40 and Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque making solid contributions. The Tigers prevailed by six wickets to complete a 2-0 series sweep—an incredible performance on foreign soil.