Darwin,15 August, 2026(Nosheen): Bangladesh moved closer to a historic Test victory over Australia as spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Steve Smith late on the third day of the first Test in Darwin on Saturday, leaving the hosts struggling at 161-4.Australia still trail Bangladesh by 67 runs in their second innings at stumps, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 43 and Alex Carey on 19.Bangladesh were dismissed for 426 shortly after lunch, but their bowlers responded strongly. Seamer Hasan Mahmud, who claimed a career-best 6-55 in Australia’s first innings, removed both Australian openers cheaply. Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck and Travis Head for 17, with both batsmen chopping the ball onto their stumps.Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then attempted to steady Australia’s innings on a good batting surface. Labuschagne made 31 before he was bowled by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam while attempting to play an aggressive shot.Smith, who has often rescued Australia in difficult situations, appeared composed before Mehidy Hasan produced the breakthrough. With Australia on 122, Smith edged a delivery back towards the bowler, who took the catch to send the former Australian captain back to the pavilion.

Earlier in the day, Mehidy also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring a half-century in Bangladesh’s first innings and helping his team extend its lead.Bangladesh entered the Test as underdogs after suffering a heavy defeat against a Cricket Australia XI in their only warm-up match, including being bowled out for just 54 in their second innings.However, the visitors produced a remarkable turnaround in the Test, bowling Australia out for 198 on the opening day before showing resilience with the bat and keeping the Australian attack on the field for 138 overs.Mehidy’s determined batting in the morning session helped Bangladesh’s lower order resist Australia’s bowlers and build a commanding position.With Australia still behind and six wickets remaining, Bangladesh will enter the fourth day with a strong chance of securing what would be a memorable Test victory.