Josh Hazlewood became Australia’s key man as he broke the partnership that had been causing the hosts problems by dismissing Hasan Mahmud. He then removed Bangladesh’s main source of resistance among the tailenders, Taijul Islam, to give Australia another breakthrough.
Bangladesh began the third day with a 153-run lead. Hasan had faced 76 balls and stood as a symbol of resistance. His 43-run partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz had prevented Australia from taking control of the match on the second day.
Breaking that partnership was naturally Australia’s priority during the first hour of the third day. Hazlewood produced a slightly lower delivery that trapped Hasan lbw, ending his determined innings of 14 from 92 balls.
Taijul then came to the crease and tried to build another partnership with Mehidy. Bangladesh’s approach was clear after Hasan’s dismissal. Looking to score more freely, Taijul hit Hazlewood for six from the first ball of the 118th over.
However, Hazlewood had the final say in the same over. He dismissed Taijul with the last ball, with Cameron Green taking the catch in the slips. Taijul’s 23-ball stay ended on 17.
Bangladesh had earlier finished the second day on 351 for six. They were looking to extend their lead as much as possible on the third day. In the first hour, however, they lost two wickets while adding 29 runs to their overnight total.
