Bangladesh arrived in Australia after a heavy defeat to a Cricket Australia XI in their only warm-up match, but bounced back spectacularly to secure their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
Miraz said the team never lost faith despite the disappointing practice-game result.
“It was an excellent, great moment for us. After a long time we have been here and it was an excellent performance by the team. The way we played shows our character. Everything has been perfect.”
The Bangladesh all-rounder said the defeat in the warm-up match ultimately strengthened their resolve to make the most of their opportunity against a high-quality Australian side.
“Still we had belief. After the practice match, after we lost, we had to think that it is a great opportunity for us in these conditions. After a long time we came here. They are a very good team. They are an all-class team. They have good players and if we beat them, it would be great for our country and our cricket.”
For Miraz, the key message from the victory was simple: belief.
“That gives one message, we have to believe. Otherwise you can't go through.”
Bangladesh’s success in Darwin came through a complete team effort. Their pace attack bowled Australia out for 198 in the first innings before the visitors posted 426, led by Tanzid Hasan’s century and crucial contributions from the middle and lower order.
Miraz himself played a vital role with both bat and ball, scoring 65 in Bangladesh’s first innings before taking five wickets in Australia’s second innings to help set up the victory.
He was particularly pleased with the contributions from players throughout the batting order.
“As a team you need to, we bowled well and batted well in the perfect times. Tamim and Shadman, the way they batted in the first 10 overs. Tamim, he got a hundred. Then Shanto, he showed his batting and Mominul doing very well.”
Looking ahead to the second Test, Miraz believes Bangladesh must carry the same collective belief into the next match rather than becoming complacent after their historic victory.
“We have to believe as a whole unit and now just think about how to perform in these conditions.”
He also stressed the importance of staying positive against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
“They are a very good attack and we have to play positive. Don't think about the bowling or who is coming. Just play the ball at all times.”
With Bangladesh now leading the series 1-0, Miraz believes maintaining that mindset will be crucial as they look to achieve another strong result in Australia.
