AUS vs BAN Test: Bangladesh Dominates Darwin Test as Australia Struggles at 161/4 on Day 3

In a stunning display of cricketing resilience and dominance, the visiting Bangladesh team has completely rattled the hosts on the third day of the ongoing first Test match at the Marrara Stadium in Darwin. Continuing their phenomenal run, Bangladesh put Australia firmly on the back foot, restricting the Australian batting lineup and leaving them reeling at 161 for the loss of four wickets in their second innings by stumps on Saturday, still trailing by 67 runs.Bangladesh's Mammoth First Innings and Lower-Order ResistanceEarlier in the match, after bundling out the formidable Australian side for a modest 198 runs in their first essay, Bangladesh delivered a stellar batting performance to post a mammoth 426 runs, securing a commanding 228-run first-innings lead. Resuming their overnight score, Mehdi Hasan Miraz anchored the lower-order charge with a gritty, patient knock of 65 runs off 154 balls, laced with five boundaries and a six. Valuable contributions from Hasan Mahmud (14), Taijul Islam (17), and an unbeaten 14 from Taskin Ahmed frustrated the Australian bowling attack. For the hosts, returning pacer Josh Hazlewood stood out with an impressive six-wicket haul, supported by two wickets from Mitchell Starc and one each from Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, but the damage had already been done.Australia's Second-Innings Collapse and Uphill BattleFacing a colossal deficit, Australia needed a strong start in their second innings, but their top order faltered under intense pressure from the Bangladeshi bowlers. Opener Jack Weatherald fell for a duck to Mahmud, who also dismissed dangerman Travis Head early. Although Marnus Labuschagne (31) and Steve Smith (44) attempted to stabilize the innings with cautious partnerships, Taijul Islam removed Labuschagne, while Mehdi Hasan Miraz trapped Smith just short of his half-century. As the third day concluded, Cameron Green (43*) and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey (19*) managed to survive to the close of play, but unless the pair builds a substantial partnership, the historic Test match threatens to slip entirely out of Australia's hands.