Bangladesh close in on historic win 

Bangladesh moved within touching distance of a historic Test victory in Darwin after another impressive day put Australia under enormous pressure in the opening match of the series.

The visitors began the third day on 351 for six and added another 75 runs before their first innings finally ended at 426. That gave Bangladesh a commanding 228-run lead, putting Australia in the unfamiliar position of having to fight simply to get back into the contest.

Mehedi Hasan Miraz played a crucial role in extending Bangladesh's advantage, producing a determined 65 before Australia finally broke the partnership around him. His contribution was particularly valuable because Bangladesh's lower order managed to stretch the lead well beyond the 200-run mark.

Australia's bowlers eventually found a way to finish the innings, with Josh Hazlewood taking six wickets. But by then the damage had already been done.

The real test for Bangladesh came in Australia's second innings.

The Tigers' fast bowlers immediately made it clear that Australia would not be allowed to rebuild comfortably.

Hasan Mahmud continued his outstanding match by removing Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, while Taijul Islam added another breakthrough by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne.

The biggest moment came when Mehedi Hasan Miraz removed Steve Smith for 44. Smith had again appeared capable of anchoring Australia's innings, but his departure left the hosts struggling at 120 for four.

Australia finally found some stability through Cameron Green and Alex Carey. Green finished unbeaten on 43 and Carey on 19, their partnership carrying Australia to 161 for four at the close.

Despite that late resistance, the hosts remain 67 runs behind Bangladesh, with six wickets left.

That leaves the match delicately poised but clearly tilted towards the visitors.

Bangladesh's remarkable turnaround has now reached another level. After collapsing for just 54 in their warm-up game, they have responded with a 426-run first innings against Australia and placed themselves in a position where victory is no longer an ambitious dream-it is a realistic possibility.

Australia's immediate objective will be to survive the opening session on the fourth morning and build a meaningful lead. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will want early wickets and a manageable target.

The Tigers have already demonstrated that they can withstand Australia's attack.

Now they have to finish the job.

With Australia still behind and only six wickets standing, Bangladesh enter the fourth day with history firmly within reach.