Bangladesh’s historic nine-wicket victory over Australia was fueled by a growing belief that they could challenge the hosts, and a confrontation between Litton Das and Steve Smith on the third day of the match symbolized their fearless approach.

After Bangladesh appealed for a caught-behind against Smith off Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the third session on Day 3, the Australian sarcastically goaded them to review it, saying, "Use it. Go on. Do it. Go on, use it. Waste another one. Do what you want. Do your thing."

Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton told Smith to "just bat" and stop talking. Smith shot back: "I'll do what I want. I can do what I want."

In the first innings, Smith had a lucky reprieve when Bangladesh reviewed a caught behind decision against him, but the Snicko Metre couldn’t detect any nick.

Smith, who top-scored in that innings with 71, said even he had felt something as the ball went past his bat and conceded that he was ‘lucky.’.

The confrontation in the second innings was perhaps Smith’s way of riling up the opposition, reminding them of how they had wasted a review against him, and make them lose their focus.

But his long-time teammate and current commentator David Warner felt the incident only fired up Bangladesh even more.

"Once Litton Das had that little run-in with Steve Smith, they didn't shut up for the rest of the innings. It was unbelievable," Warner said.

"They believed in themselves. They were hungry."

Smith eventually departed off the bowling of Miraz, hitting the ball straight into the bowler’s hands, after making 44 and Bangladesh recorded a historic victory on the next day.

Commentator Kerry O'Keeffe also felt that Bangladesh "didn't take a backwards step" throughout the innings, calling it a reflection of the team's internal belief.

After the match, Smith also conceded that Australia had been completely ‘outplayed’ by Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will look to carry that same self-belief into the second and final Test in Mackay, starting Saturday, as they chase a rare series sweep on Australian soil.