Warner, Smith stand between Bangladesh and victory in Dhaka Test

Swashbuckling opener David Warner scored a brilliant unbeaten half century to take Australia on course of what would be a tense yet win in the opening Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

At Stumps on Day Three, Australia were 109-2 with Warner and skipper Steve Smith (25*), requiring 156 more runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Chasing 265 in the fourth innings to win, Australia dealt early blows as they lost Matthew Renshaw (5) and Usman Khawaja (1). However, a superb hand between Smith and his deputy steadied the ship and took them to 109-2 at the close of play on Day Three.

Australia have only once successfully chased down a total of over 200 in the subcontinent, which came against Bangladesh in 2006.

Earlier, the visitors bundled out Bangladesh for 221, courtesy some brilliant bowling from off-spinner Nathan Lyon who took 6-82 in their second innings.

Lyon's 10th five-for helped Australia claw back into the game when Bangladesh was in charge. Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar contributed with 2-55.

Tamim Iqbal starred for the hosts as he scored a fighting 75. It was his second half-century in the match after his 71 in the first innings.