Bangladesh stun Australia in Darwin, Padikkal ton puts India on top — cricket digest 16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh seal historic Darwin Test win to take 1-0 lead over Australia

Bangladesh completed a nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin to go 1-0 up in the two-Test series, beating the world No. 1 side on their own turf. Najmul Hossain Shanto called it Bangladesh’s biggest win in any format, singling out the fast bowlers after they took all ten wickets in Australia’s first innings, before Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s five-for in the second helped set up a target of just 57.

Tanzid Hasan’s 101 in only his second Test underpinned Bangladesh’s 426 and a 228-run lead, while Hasan Mahmud finished with nine wickets and was named Player of the Match. For Australia, Pat Cummins said there were “no excuses” and kept the door open for changes, with the batters set for a close look after being outplayed “in all facets”. Josh Hazlewood’s 6 for 89 also took him past 300 Test wickets, and Cameron Green made a second-innings century.

Padikkal’s unbeaten 131 drives India’s strong start against Sri Lanka in Galle

Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to the side with a commanding unbeaten 131 as India finished a rain-hit opening day on 288 for 2 in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. Batting at No. 3, Padikkal ended India’s long wait for a century from that position, while KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 not out.

Babar Azam ruled out of rest of warm-up after right-hand blow, expected back next week

Pakistan captain Babar Azam will take no further part in the three-day practice match against a PCC Select XI in Beckenham after being struck on the right hand by a rising delivery. The PCB said the decision was precautionary, with Babar expected to return by the start of next week and train with the squad ahead of the first Test against England at Headingley on August 19.

The incident came with recent context: Babar had also been hit on the same hand during Pakistan’s second Test against West Indies, while Shan Masood has already recovered from a hairline fracture suffered in that series and is training in England.

Azhar Ali links Pakistan’s red-ball struggles to departmental cricket being sidelined

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has argued that Pakistan’s Test slide and the thinning talent pipeline are tied to departmental teams being pushed out of the domestic first-class structure in recent years. He described department cricket as a “nursery” for the national side and said constant changes to the system have stopped it from developing over the long term.

Azhar’s comments followed the PCB’s decision to axe two departments for what it said was an inability to comply with new regulations, including a steep participation-fee hike. WAPDA was among those removed, Sahir Associates opted to walk away, and Khan Research Laboratories—Azhar’s former side—was understood to have considered withdrawing before signing up.