Bangladesh are within sight of a result their cricket-mad nation has waited years to see. Hasan Mahmud removed both Australian openers, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz — already the standout batter of the innings — then dismissed Steven Smith to leave the visitors staring down a famous defeat.
A top-order collapse that changed the contest
Hasan Mahmud struck early and then struck again, dismantling Australia's opening partnership and shifting the momentum decisively toward the home side. The fast bowler's double breakthrough gave Bangladesh the control they needed at the most important stage of the Test.
Then came the moment that tilted the match further. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had earlier batted Bangladesh into a strong position with a half-century, produced the key wicket of Steven Smith — Australia's most experienced and watchful batter in the middle order.
Why this Test means so much to Bangladesh cricket
A victory here would be only Bangladesh's second-ever Test win over Australia — and the first since the famous 20-run triumph in Mirpur in 2017. For a side still building its place among Test cricket's established nations, beating Australia on home soil would be a defining statement.
The sequence that put Bangladesh in front
The match account points to a clear pattern. Bangladesh batted well enough for Mehidy Hasan Miraz to reach a half-century, then turned to their bowlers to finish the job. Hasan Mahmud's double strike removed the openers, and Mehidy's dismissal of Smith followed as the hosts kept chipping away.
Exact scores and the remaining target were not available in the original report. But the shape of the contest is unmistakable — Australia are under serious pressure and Bangladesh can sense a historic win.
What this means for the players and the fans
For Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a win like this would be a career-defining achievement. For the millions back home watching the final session, it is a rare chance to see their team beat one of world cricket's heavyweight sides on the biggest stage.
How Australia could respond from here
Australia have rescued losing positions before, and their middle and lower order carries genuine experience. But losing both openers and Steven Smith in quick succession changes the mathematics of the chase. One big partnership could shift the pressure back on Bangladesh; without one, the home side's bowlers will keep chipping away.
The bigger picture for Bangladesh's Test side
This performance reflects a broader shift in Bangladesh cricket. The pace attack has grown sharper, all-rounders like Mehidy Hasan Miraz have become more reliable, and belief at home has visibly strengthened in recent years. A victory over Australia would be the strongest evidence yet of that progress.
Confirmed facts and what still remains unclear
Confirmed: Hasan Mahmud took both Australian openers. Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored a half-century and then dismissed Steven Smith. Bangladesh are pushing for a famous victory.
Unclear: Full match figures, the exact target Australia were chasing, and how the remainder of the innings unfolds are not available from the original report. Those details will become clear as the final sessions play out.
