On a pivotal fifth morning at Kanpur, India took monumental steps towards sealing a victory in the second Test against Bangladesh. It was a morning session filled with drama and dominance, resulting in the visitors losing their last eight wickets in a span of nearly three hours. The collapse left India with a minimal target of 95 runs to clinch the Test match, a task that seemed increasingly straightforward.
Jasprit Bumrah, with remarkable figures of 3-17, and Ravindra Jadeja, who also shone with the ball taking 3-50, were the principal architects of Bangladesh’s downfall on this final day. Their achievements, however, were complemented by some questionable shot choices by the Bangladeshi batsmen, who largely failed to provide any significant resistance. Only Shadman Islam, who registered a robust half-century, and Mushfiqur Rahim, making a valiant 37, showed any semblance of resolve against the Indian bowling attack.
At the start of the day, Bangladesh faced a narrow deficit of 26 runs; therefore, the plan was to build a lead patiently, keeping wickets intact. Yet, this objective was soon thwarted as Mominul Haque, who had scored a century in the first innings, found himself ensnared by a clever strategic move orchestrated by Rohit Sharma and his team. Given Mominul’s inclination to sweep, a leg slip fielder was positioned, preventing him from comfortably attempting the paddle shot. In his attempt to go for a hard sweep, Mominul only managed to bring about his own downfall, offering KL Rahul a sterling catch at leg slip off Ravichandran Ashwin’s bowling. This early strike set Bangladesh on the back foot, but a brief recovery followed.
Demonstrating positivity and intent, Shadman Islam unleashed a flurry of boundaries characterized by exquisite timing. His defense was solid; he judiciously left deliveries outside off, pouncing on any mistakes in line or length from the Indian bowlers.
. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto also appeared composed at the crease, as the duo pieced together a half-century partnership that helped buoy Bangladesh’s chances during these pressing times. Little did they anticipate that this fleeting calmness would soon give way to a storm of dismissals.
Ravindra Jadeja, who had been held back until then, was introduced into the attack and struck instantaneously, courtesy of a questionable reverse sweep executed by Shanto. The ill-conceived shot selection resulted in Shanto being bowled around his legs, marking the beginning of a rapid decline for Bangladesh. Jadeja continued to wreak havoc, luring Litton Das into an edge behind the stumps and accepting a half-hearted return catch from Shakib Al Hasan thereafter.
Meanwhile, Shadman Islam’s admirable innings came to a premature end shortly after he had reached his fifty, with a loose shot seeing him bow out against the persistent Akash Deep. The scoreboard now reading 94/7 after a middle and lower-order collapse, Bangladesh found themselves hemmed in by an Indian side that was in full steam. Jasprit Bumrah then made light work of the tailenders, dispatching Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam in quick succession to further tighten the noose.
Despite a spirited effort from Mushfiqur Rahim to stave off the inevitable by conserving the strike with the last batsman Khaled Ahmed, Bangladesh’s fate hovered unsparingly close. The necessity of prolonging the session by a maximum of 30 minutes, owing to the ninth wicket falling just as lunch break approached, saw Rahim accumulate some runs. However, the relentless Jasprit Bumrah eventually unveiled a delivery of brilliance – his signature off-cutter – that taunted the surface before cleaning up Rahim, whose attempt at a lavish drive hastened his departure. Thus concluded what was an absorbing session, leaving India firmly positioned to complete the victory formalities.
With India poised to overtake the target and emerge victorious from the Kanpur Test, the spotlight now shines on their commanding display and Bangladesh’s spiraling self-destruction, marking another captivating chapter in Test cricket history.