5 instances when Bangladesh lost a Test from a position of strength

#3 Against Australia at Fatullah, 2006

Rafique was the wrecker-in-chief for Bangladesh in both innings

Loss Margin – 3 wickets

Bangladesh almost pulled off a shock upset on the mighty Australians when they toured the Asian nation early in 2006. But the home side once again ended up making a mess of their advantage and suffered yet another loss in the Test arena.

Opening batsman Shahriar Nafees’ 138 set up a perfect platform for the Bangladeshi innings as they posted a formidable 427 on the board after winning the toss. Meanwhile, Australia could only manage 269 when they batted despite a splendid 144 from iconic wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist.

This meant that the hosts had a first-innings lead of 158 runs and a chance to put the visitors under pressure. But none of this happened as the Aussie bowling attack ran through the Bangladeshi batting line-up and dismissed them for a paltry 148 in the 3^rd innings.

Australia’s chase of 307, led by skipper Ricky Ponting, went along pretty smoothly apart from a short phase when they lost 5 wickets for just 58 runs. However, Ponting remained unbeaten on 118 to guide his team to a 3-wicket victory.