Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by rising to sixth place in the ICC Test rankings for the first time following a 1-1 series draw against Australia, despite suffering a swift innings and 51-run defeat in the second Test at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Sunday.

Visiting Australia for the first time in 23 years, Bangladesh won the first Test in Darwin by nine wickets before slumping inside two days in the series finale.
Despite the heavy defeat in the second match, the overall series result delivered a major boost to the team's standing in world cricket.

Reacting to the ranking achievement after the match, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed it as a significant milestone for the side in the elite format.

"Alhamdulillah, I just came to know about it. Good news, definitely good news," Shanto said. "Of course, we have come to number six for the first time in Test cricket. It is a big achievement."

Shanto noted that regular opportunities to compete against top nations in difficult conditions would accelerate the team's growth.

"I think we should be called. Whatever happens, if we are called, we will also know about these conditions, be able to take on these challenges and play good cricket, InshaAllah," he said, expressing hope for future invitations to tour Australia.

Acknowledging the stark contrast between the ranking news and their on-field performance in Mackay, Shanto added, "The good news would have been even better if we had played good cricket in this Test match."

The skipper also revealed that he harbors an ambitious long-term goal for the national team.

"Many people may not believe me when I talk about my dream of making the Test team, but it's very secret. I don't want to say it. If I ever achieve it, I will definitely say it," Shanto said. "But I have a very big dream."

In the second Test, Bangladesh collapsed to 95 all out in 38.2 overs during their second innings, falling 51 runs short of forcing Australia to bat again and conceding their fourth innings defeat against the hosts.

Having been dismissed for 64 in their first innings, Bangladesh became the first team in 21 years to be bowled out under 100 twice in a single Test—a first in the country's cricket history.

Lasting just five completed sessions and 145 overs, the match ended as the second-shortest Test ever played in Australia and the fourth-shortest in Test history.

Resuming the day at 165-8, Australia added 45 runs to their overnight total to reach 210, establishing a 146-run lead. Cameron Green top-scored with 67 while a 24-run final-wicket stand between Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood further extended Australia's advantage.

Amid the team's batting struggles, Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam delivered a record-breaking performance, taking 7-48 in Australia's only innings.

Shoriful, who resumed the day with 6-35 and removed Green to complete his seven-wicket haul, registered the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi fast bowler in Test history.

He joins spin trio Taijul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the only Bangladesh bowlers to take seven wickets in a Test innings, with Taijul holding the overall best figures of 8-39.