In what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most extraordinary Test matches in recent history, India secured a resounding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh on the fifth day of play in Kanpur, post-lunch session. With this commanding win, India successfully concluded the two-match Test series with a 2-0 triumph, marking an impressive 18th consecutive series win on home soil.
Despite facing a modest target of 95 runs, India’s approach mirrored their strategy from the first innings. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma got the ball rolling with a boundary, signifying India’s aggressive intent, but was soon dismissed by Mehidy Hasan as Bangladesh initiated their defense with spinners on both ends. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal rose to the occasion once more, crafting a fine half-century, while Virat Kohli chipped in with 29 runs. Despite Jaiswal falling just before sealing the victory, the low total proved too little for Bangladesh’s defense, allowing India’s batsmen to attack and claim victory in the second session of the final day.
However, it was the prior four sessions of play that truly shaped the narrative of this unpredictable match. The first three days unfolded like a slow-burn thriller, somewhat devoid of unexpected turns, thanks to continual weather disruptions and an unremarkable outfield. Only 35 overs were possible on the opening day, and it wasn’t until the fourth day that full-length play resumed, with Bangladesh at 107/3 on a pitch that displayed character. The nature of the black soil contributed to a lower bounce, and combined with damp conditions, facilitated noticeable movement for the pace bowlers. As usual, spin played a crucial role too.
Amidst challenging conditions, Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to bowl after winning the toss. However, his bowlers could not manage a comprehensive attack during the scattered overs on the first day. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah was not at his peak, while Mohammed Siraj also had moments of inconsistency. It was primarily Akash Deep’s double breakthroughs and Ravichandran Ashwin’s skillful handling of the ball that justified Rohit’s decision. However, persistent bad light and rain raised the prospects of a stalemate.
Everything changed once India decided to dramatically up the ante, forcing Bangladesh into a cascade of self-inflicted errors. The fourth morning began uneventfully, reminiscent of any regular Test day. After seemingly cruising to his 13th Test century, Mominul Haque ran out of partners at the other end as Bangladesh faltered. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim’s ill-advised leave off a Bumrah delivery epitomized the beginning of India’s control over the match. Bumrah returned to form, spearheading the attack, bolstered by contributions from fellow bowlers. Mominul remained stranded as Bangladesh crumbled from a hopeful 224/6 to a mere 233 all out, exactly the stimulus India needed.
India seized the match decisively from there. Their bowlers had performed admirably on the fourth morning, and by the afternoon session, the batsmen took the game to another level. In a breathtaking showcase of aggressive batting, India adopted a T20 approach in the Test arena, accumulating runs rapidly on a pitch not conducive to fluent batting due to low bounce.
. Skipper Rohit Sharma started the aggressive display, but it was Jaiswal’s 51-ball 72 that truly catalyzed India’s dominance. As Mehidy Hasan commented after the day’s play, Bangladesh’s bowling attack was evidently rattled by India’s fierce batting onslaught.
With batting contributions coming from Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, India surged ahead with aggression, while KL Rahul anchored the innings with 68 runs. Statistically, India faced 238 balls fewer than Bangladesh yet emerged with a notable lead of 52 runs. The hosts’ run rate of 8.22 was a record-breaking achievement for the fastest innings run rate for any team scoring over 200 in Tests. In a whirlwind of records, India’s innings included rapid milestones for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs.
Upon declaring their innings with the fall of the ninth wicket, India aimed to notch at least one Bangladesh wicket by day’s end. Ravichandran Ashwin delivered, capturing two crucial wickets. The off-spinner brilliantly deceived opener Zakir Hasan with a clever blend of deliveries, securing an LBW decision. Then, nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud fell to an uncharacteristic stroke, bowled out and closing the day firmly in India’s favor.
As the final day began, Bangladesh aimed to erase the meager 26-run deficit without losing a wicket—a task that quickly unraveled. First innings centurion Mominul Haque was ensnared by a tactical plan from Rohit Sharma that capitalized on his preference for the sweep shot. With a leg slip strategically positioned, Mominul’s attempt at a hard sweep resulted in a catch to KL Rahul, off Ashwin’s bowling.
Shadman Islam presented a brief resistance, batting confidently and with precise timing; however, Bangladesh’s innings soon deteriorated. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s ill-judged reverse sweep against Ravindra Jadeja led to his dismissal, opening the floodgates. Jadeja continued his momentum by dismissing Litton Das and subsequently claimed Shakib Al Hasan through a simple return catch. Shadman, after reaching a half-century, fell prey to a reckless shot against an unyielding Akash Deep, further crumbling Bangladesh’s innings from 91/3 to 94/7.
Jasprit Bumrah swiftly dismantled the remaining batters, dismissing Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam in rapid succession. Mushfiqur Rahim provided a temporary reprieve by retaining the strike, but he too succumbed to Bumrah just before an extended lunch break.
As India chased down the target of 95, it became not a matter of if, but when they would secure victory. Yashasvi Jaiswal ensured the conclusion was expeditious, consolidating a famous Indian victory. While the strength of the opposition and the familiar home conditions may marginalize the historic triumph’s weight, India’s resolute intent under such circumstances renders the victory unforgettable.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 233 and 146 (Shadman Islam 50, Mushfiqur Rahim 37; Jasprit Bumrah 3-17, Ravindra Jadeja 3-34) lost to India 285/9 d. and 98/3 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 51; Mehidy Hasan 2-44) by seven wickets.