Bangladesh moved to within sight of one of the biggest wins in its Test cricket history after Australia stumbled to 161-4 and remained 67 runs behind at stumps on Day 3 of the first Test on Saturday (August 15, 2026).
Australia was at times its own enemy with another three dropped catches Saturday (August 15), including an inexplicable drop by Steve Smith in the deep, making it five for the battered hosts across the match.
It took Mr. Australia’s hopes of salvaging the match rested on Mr. Smith’s shoulders and the veteran looked composed as he characteristically accumulated his runs with low risk. The match spun firmly toward Bangladesh though, when Mr.
Mahmud’s (2-33) match wicket tally to eight after his return of 6-55 in the first innings limited the hosts to 198 and set the tone for the tourists’ upper hand for the following two days. Mehidy (1-20) took a sharp caught and bowled chance from Mr. Smith (44) as Australia sunk to 122-4, still 106 in arrears.