DARWIN, Australia: Bangladesh have positioned themselves on the cusp of a historic maiden Test victory in Australia, reducing the hosts to a precarious 161/4 at the close of day three at Marrara Stadium, still 67 runs adrift of the visitors’ imposing total.
After being dismissed for 426 shortly after lunch, the Tigers’ bowling attack, led by the sensational Hasan Mahmud, tore through Australia’s top order to leave the home side reeling and their famed batting lineup in disarray on a sweltering Darwin afternoon.
Australia will need to overcome 149-years of test cricket history to beat Bangladesh in Darwin. The tourists ended their first innings leading by a staggering 228-runs, as under pressure, Jake Weatherald failed again. pic.twitter.com/IYFpkCXUFL
— 7NEWS Queensland (@7NewsBrisbane) August 15, 2026
Mahmud strikes twice to shatter Australia’s top order
Fresh off a career-best 6/55 in the first innings, emerging seamer Hasan Mahmud continued his fairytale match by removing both Australian openers in identical, devastating fashion. Mahmud breached the defences of Jake Weatherald (0) and Travis Head (17) with deliveries that jagged back sharply, both batsmen chopping the ball onto their own stumps to leave Australia gasping at 2/29.
The twin strikes sent shockwaves through the Australian camp, silencing a crowd that had expected a routine victory against the unfancied tourists.
Read Also: Bangladesh Rock Australia’s Batting Line-Up in First Test
Spinners tighten the screws; smith falls to Miraz
While Marnus Labuschagne (31) and Steven Smith initially steadied the innings with a cautious partnership, the spin duo of Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz proved relentless. Labuschagne, battling a prolonged form slump and mounting pressure on his spot, played over a straight delivery from Taijul to be bowled, departing with visible frustration.
Then came the prized scalp of Smith. The modern-day great, often Australia’s crisis-man, batted with characteristic grit until he reached 36. Attempting to work off-spinner Mehidy through the on-side, Smith could only chip a leading edge straight back to the bowler, who clasped the simplest of catches to leave Australia tottering at 4/122.
At stumps, Cameron Green (43) and Alex Carey (19) were tasked with the herculean effort of rescuing the innings, still trailing by 67 runs with only six wickets in hand.
Bangladesh is poised to win its first Test match in Australia, and just its second-ever red-ball victory over the Aussies.🏏
All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz says the team is focused on the process at stumps on day three in Darwin.
Grandstand at Stumps: https://t.co/xX3tw4XRhG pic.twitter.com/E1xXxnVbBo
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) August 15, 2026
Mehidy’s masterclass with bat sets up stunning victory charge
Earlier in the day, it was Mehidy Hasan Miraz who laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s dominance. Resuming on 351/6, the visitors faced a hostile Australian pace attack desperate for quick wickets. But Mehidy, showcasing extraordinary grit and technique, shielded the lower order in a defiant rearguard action that frustrated the home side for over two hours in the oppressive heat.
His invaluable 65-run knock, which came off 114 balls, was the backbone of Bangladesh’s mammoth first-innings total of 426. He found able support from Taskin Ahmed, with the pair adding vital runs to push the lead past the 200-run mark.
Read Also: Bangladesh Tighten Grip on Australia After Warner Hails Darwin Dominance
Hazlewood’s heroics in vain as tigers roar
Josh Hazlewood was the lone shining light for Australia, claiming figures of 6/89 – including his 300th and 301st Test wickets. The paceman dismissed Taijul Islam (17) and wrapped up the tail, but the damage had already been done. Australia’s fielding woes compounded their misery, with Steven Smith dropping an absolute sitter from Taskin Ahmed in the deep and Travis Head spilling a more difficult chance off Mehidy two balls later – misses that proved costly as the visitors extended their lead.
Shanto: “We are focusing on the process”
“We showed incredible character over the last two or three days. The way we played was outstanding,” said a composed visiting captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. “We are taking it session by session, focusing on the process and not the outcome.”
The statement reflects a newfound maturity in a side that was bowled out for a paltry 54 in their only warm-up match. Many had written off Bangladesh after that disastrous performance, but they have since turned the Test on its head, bowling Australia out for 198 on the opening day before grinding the home attack into the dust across 138 overs of batting.
🔴WE CAN TAKE 10 WICKETS ON FINAL DAY – HAZLEWOOD SENDS A WARNING🤯
Q 🎙️: What are your thoughts on the possibility of winning the Test against Bangladesh?
Josh Hazlewood🎙️: The win is definitely still in our minds. We’ll take it session by session and hour by hour. If we can… pic.twitter.com/otHpsmUaC9
— Sam (@cricsam02) August 15, 2026
A date with destiny
Bangladesh are attempting to win a Test match in Australia for the first time at the third attempt.
With only six wickets remaining and a lead of 67 already secured, day four presents the most significant opportunity in the nation’s cricketing history. For Australia, facing the very real prospect of an embarrassing defeat on home soil, the fightback must start immediately.
