Bangladesh close to historic Test win in Darwin but Mehidy warns task not finished
On August 15, 2026, Bangladesh moved within sight of a historic Test victory over Australia in Darwin after taking a 228-run first-innings lead, but all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz cautioned that the team must maintain discipline to finish the job.
Bangladesh built their commanding position by bowling Australia out for 198 in the first innings, a collapse in which Hasan Mahmud picked up six wickets, before compiling 426 in reply to establish the 228-run advantage. Tanzid Hasan scored what the report described as a historic Test century by a Bangladeshi in Australia, and Mehidy contributed a key 65 from the lower order to extend the visitors' lead. The visitors’ standing in the match was described as the result of an impressive all-round effort.
Speaking after the day's play, Mehidy emphasised the need for continued discipline and accuracy with the ball, saying: “Look, the wicket is still good. We are not really thinking that way. We are trying to bowl in good areas because every wicket is going to require hard work. We can see that the wicket is not that easy. The wickets we have taken have come after putting in a lot of effort.” He added: “So, we are trying to restrict the runs as much as possible, and if we can take another three or four wickets within these runs, it will make things easier for us. Perhaps, the target will not be too high either.”
Bangladesh applied sustained pressure with its bowling attack in Australia's second innings, with Hasan Mahmud striking early and the rest of the bowlers maintaining disciplined lines to prevent a substantial partnership. Mehidy himself removed Steve Smith for 44, while Taijul Islam claimed the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne for 31 as the hosts struggled to rebuild. By the close of the third day Australia were 161 for four, still 67 runs adrift of Bangladesh's first-innings total.
Despite the advantage, Bangladesh cannot assume victory is secured: Cameron Green was unbeaten on 43 and Alex Carey on 19 at stumps, forming a partnership that could be significant at the start of the fourth morning. The report noted that Australia first must erase the deficit before they can contemplate setting a target for the visitors.
The match situation was also framed by the state of the pitch, which Mehidy and the report described as remaining relatively good rather than dramatically deteriorated, meaning Australia retain a capacity to fight back if Bangladesh's intensity lapses. Maintaining the disciplined bowling that built their lead was presented as the primary challenge for Bangladesh going into the next day.
Play resumes on the fourth day with Australia 161 for four and still 67 runs behind Bangladesh's first-innings total; the hosts must first remove the deficit before attempting to set Bangladesh a target.
