Australia Dominates Bangladesh with Innings Victory in Second Test

Islamabad, Pakistan Aug 23, 2026 ALN: Mitchell Starc bagged four wickets and 10 for the match as he ripped through the Bangladesh batting to ensure a commanding innings and 51-run second Test victory for Australia inside two days on Sunday.

The visitors headed into the Mackay showdown on a high after shocking the world’s top-ranked team by nine wickets in the first Test at Darwin. This unexpected victory marked a significant achievement for Bangladesh, who had been striving to establish themselves as a competitive force in international cricket. The first Test showcased their potential, with notable performances that suggested they could challenge even the most formidable teams.

However, the second Test proved to be a stark contrast to their earlier success. Bangladesh was brought crashing back to earth, out for just 64 in their first innings and 95 in the second. This dismal performance highlighted the challenges the team faces when dealing with high-quality bowling attacks, particularly from a seasoned side like Australia. The stark difference in performance raised questions about the mental resilience and adaptability of the Bangladeshi players when faced with pressure.

In the first innings, Bangladesh crashed for a mere 64 runs, with Starc taking a remarkable 6-12. His ability to exploit the conditions and dismantle the batting lineup was evident as he consistently found movement off the pitch. Starc's exceptional bowling not only set the tone for the match but also underscored his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world. His performance was a reminder of the impact that a single bowler can have on a match, especially when they are in top form.

In the second innings, Bangladesh struggled again, managing only 95 runs, with Starc claiming 4-39 and Pat Cummins 3-10. The Australian bowlers demonstrated their dominance and depth, with both Starc and Cummins exploiting the weaknesses in the Bangladeshi batting order. The inability of the Bangladeshi batsmen to build partnerships and their tendency to play reckless shots contributed significantly to their downfall.

Bangladesh had a horror start in their second innings, with Shadman Islam lasting just three balls. He played a nothing stroke to a moving Starc delivery and edged it to Marnus Labuschagne at point. This early wicket set the tone for a disastrous innings, as Mominul Haque followed suit next ball, failing to offer a shot and losing his off stump to Starc, who was on the verge of a hat-trick. Such a start would have been demoralizing for any batting lineup, and it was clear that the pressure was mounting on the Bangladeshi players.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had been dismissed for a golden duck in the first innings, managed to survive this time and deny Starc the hat-trick. However, their woes deepened when Tanzid Hasan departed soon after for nine runs. Starc was again involved, taking a catch in the deep after Tanzid pulled Cummins. This sequence of events illustrated the relentless pressure exerted by the Australian bowlers, who were in complete control of the match.

Shanto did well to soak up the pressure after lunch for 46 deliveries, but he eventually lost focus against the off-spin of Nathan Lyon, holing out to Starc at long off on 31. The dismissal of Shanto was a significant blow for Bangladesh, as he had been their most resilient batsman during the innings. When Starc was brought back into the attack, he was front and centre again, enticing a loose shot from Litton Das, who was caught without scoring by Beau Webster at third slip. This dismissal further exemplified the lack of discipline shown by the Bangladeshi batsmen.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz struggled to get going and departed to an equally poor shot, lashing at a Cummins bouncer and being collected by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Cummins' ability to maintain pressure and take wickets at crucial times was instrumental in the Australian victory. The Australian captain then removed Hasan Mahmud (two) before Starc took his 10th for the match when he bowled Taijul Islam for seven, completing a dominant performance.

As the match progressed, Australia resumed at 165-8 with Cameron Green on 51 and Nathan Lyon on 10. Green, who had scored a century during the first Test in Darwin — which Bangladesh won by nine wickets — kept the scoreboard moving early with quick singles, demonstrating his ability to adapt and perform under pressure. However, he was undone by an inswinging yorker from the impressive Shoriful, which hit him on the toe, leading to an lbw decision after a review.

A valiant Lyon brought up the 200 for Australia with a towering six off Taskin, showcasing his batting prowess and ability to contribute lower down the order. His partnership with Josh Hazlewood added crucial runs, with Hazlewood contributing 24 runs for the last wicket. The innings eventually ended when Hazlewood skied a delivery from Taijul to Shadman on six, leaving Lyon not out on 32.

This match not only reflected Australia’s dominance in the series but also highlighted the challenges faced by Bangladesh in replicating their success against top-tier teams. The stark contrast between the two Tests raises questions about the inconsistency of the Bangladeshi batting lineup and their ability to cope with the pressure of playing against elite opposition. The implications of this match extend beyond just the series, as it may impact the confidence and morale of the Bangladeshi team moving forward in their campaign to establish themselves as a competitive side in international cricket.