Australia Resist, But Bangladesh Edge Closer to Historic Win
Bangladesh are now just one step away from one of the biggest Test victories in their history.
After taking a commanding 228-run first-innings lead, Bangladesh kept Australia under pressure throughout Day 3 in Darwin. Australia showed some resistance in their second innings, reaching 161/4 at stumps, but they still trail by 67 runs with two days remaining.
Bangladesh Build a Massive Lead
Bangladesh began Day 3 with a strong advantage after batting for 138 overs in their first innings — the most by a visiting side in a Test in the last seven years.
Their final four wickets added another 118 runs, extending the lead beyond 200 for the first time by Bangladesh in an overseas Test.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scored with a valuable 65, while Hasan Mahmud added an important 46 after his six-wicket haul in Australia's first innings.
Hazlewood Gets His 300th Test Wicket
There was one major milestone for Australia.
Josh Hazlewood continued his outstanding comeback, finishing with 6/89 and taking his 300th Test wicket when he dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
That made Hazlewood the latest member of Australia's elite bowling group to reach the landmark.
300 wickets. Six wickets in the innings. Hazlewood is back.
But even his magnificent spell could not prevent Bangladesh from establishing a huge lead.
Hasan Mahmud Strikes Again
Bangladesh's response with the ball was immediate.
Hasan Mahmud, who had already taken six wickets in Australia's first innings, removed both Australian openers before Tea.
Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck after inside-edging onto his stumps, while Travis Head followed shortly afterwards, chopping the ball back onto his own stumps.
The two wickets meant Australia were immediately under pressure in their chase.
Labuschagne's Wait for a Hundred Continues
Marnus Labuschagne once again found himself fighting for runs.
He reached 31 but was bowled by Taijul Islam while attempting to play a full delivery. It means Labuschagne's wait for another Test century has now stretched to almost three years.
For Australia, that is becoming an increasingly significant concern.
Smith and Green Fight Back
Steve Smith and Cameron Green then provided Australia with their first substantial resistance.
The pair added 49 runs, but Mehidy Hasan Miraz eventually got Smith.
Smith, batting on 44, attempted to defend a full delivery but hit it straight back to the bowler for a simple return catch.
Cameron Green and Alex Carey then survived the final overs to ensure Australia did not suffer another collapse before stumps.
Australia Still Have a Huge Problem
Australia ended the day at:
Australia — 161/4
- Steve Smith — 44
- Cameron Green — 43*
- Alex Carey — unbeaten at stumps
They still trail Bangladesh by 67 runs.
And that is the crucial number.
Australia have already been bowled out for 198 once in this match. Bangladesh have demonstrated that their seamers can trouble Australia's top order, while their spinners are increasingly coming into the game.
The Numbers That Tell the Story
Bangladesh 426
Tanzid Hasan Tamim — 101
Najmul Hossain Shanto — 84
Mehidy Hasan Miraz — 65
Australia 198 & 161/4
Josh Hazlewood — 6/89
Steve Smith — 44
Cameron Green — 43*
Bangladesh lead: 67 runs
🔥 Interesting Angle for Sportish
The biggest story is the contrast.
Hazlewood produced a milestone performance on his Test comeback — 6/89 and 300 wickets — yet Bangladesh still ended the day in control.
That tells you just how dominant Bangladesh's overall performance has been.
They have batted for time, created a 228-run lead, and then immediately removed Australia's two openers. Australia have shown fight through Smith, Green and Carey, but the scoreboard still heavily favours Bangladesh.
And now the pressure shifts completely onto Australia.
🏏 What Australia Need
Australia need to erase the remaining 67-run deficit first.
After that, they must build a meaningful fourth-innings target while protecting their remaining six wickets.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, need only to keep the pressure on.
A few early wickets on Day 4 could open the door to one of Bangladesh's most significant Test victories ever.
Key Takeaway
Bangladesh finished Day 3 firmly in control after taking a 228-run first-innings lead and reducing Australia to 161/4, leaving the hosts 67 runs behind.
Josh Hazlewood's 300th Test wicket and six-wicket haul was a major individual milestone, but Bangladesh remain firmly on course for a potentially historic victory.
Australia are fighting. Bangladesh are smelling history. 🇧🇩🔥
Hazlewood took his 300th Test wicket, but Bangladesh still lead by 67 runs after Australia finished Day 3 at 161/4.
One more big push — and Bangladesh could create history in Darwin.
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