Bangladesh close in on first Test win in Australia

Bangladesh finished Day 3 of the Test in Darwin on Saturday in a strong position, with Australia closing at 161-4 in their second innings. With two days left, Bangladesh held a 67-run lead, leaving them within reach of what would be their first Test victory on Australian soil.

The visitors’ advantage was reinforced by a sustained bowling performance that repeatedly checked Australia’s ability to build momentum. Bangladesh struck early, then returned with key breakthroughs through the middle, keeping the home side under pressure even as the innings stabilised late.

Bangladesh bowlers keep Australia contained at 161-4 Seamer Bangladesh bowlers keep Australia contained at 161-4 Seamer Hasan Mahmud set the tone by removing Seamer Hasan Mahmud set the tone by removing both Australian openers early in the second innings. That early damage ensured Australia were forced into a rebuilding effort rather than being able to quickly extend their position. As the innings progressed, spinners Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz tightened control and took wickets, applying pressure across the middle overs. Mehidy delivered a pivotal moment by dismissing Steve Smith, leaving Australia 122-4 and reinforcing Bangladesh’s grip on the match. Australia found some late resistance through Cameron Green and Alex Carey, who combined to take the score to 161-4 at stumps. Their stand kept Australia in contention, but the overall balance of the match continued to lean towards Bangladesh heading into Sunday.

Seamer Hasan Mahmud First-innings totals and standout spells shape the match Bangladesh’s position was built on a commanding first-innings Bangladesh’s position was built on a commanding first-innings total of 426, with Mehidy contributing 65. The innings was also aided by fielding mistakes described as uncharacteristic from Australia, adding to the pressure that carried into the rest of the game. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood was the standout in Bangladesh’s first innings, taking 6-89. That spell also brought him to 300 career Test wickets, a significant personal milestone, though it did not undo the match situation created by Bangladesh’s larger total. Earlier in the contest, Hasan Mahmud produced a career-best 6-55 as Australia were dismissed for 198 in their first innings. That collapse opened the door for Bangladesh to build a substantial lead, which remains central to the match scenario with two days still to play. Najmul Hossain Shanto: session-by-session focus for final push Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the team would take a session-by-session approach, focusing on process rather than outcomes. Bangladesh are seeking their first Test win in Australia at the third attempt, and Sunday’s play was described as central to that effort.

The result now hinges on whether Australia can bat through pressure, move ahead, and set a substantial target on a strip described as favourable for batting. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be aiming to take the remaining wickets and convert their current advantage into a landmark victory.