In what has been an electrifying morning session on the fifth day of the second Test match in Kanpur, India moved decisively towards securing a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh. Demonstrating exceptional bowling prowess, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja spearheaded an onslaught that saw Bangladesh’s batting line-up unravel in spectacular fashion, with the visiting team losing their remaining eight wickets in a prolonged session that lasted nearly three hours. India’s dominance left them chasing a modest target of 95 runs to clinch the match and series.
Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass in fast bowling with impeccable figures of 3-17, while the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja wreaked havoc with the spin, claiming 3-50. Their impressive performances were complemented by dismal shot selection from the Bangladesh batsmen, who, save for Shadman Islam with a resilient 50 and a supportive 37 from Mushfiqur Rahim, appeared unwilling or unable to mount a serious challenge.
Starting the day with a narrow deficit of 26 runs, Bangladesh’s primary objective was clear: erase the deficit and build upon it without losing wickets. Yet, the morning unfolded with a plan poorly executed by the visitors. First-innings centurion Mominul Haque fell early, ensnared by a cunning plan orchestrated by Rohit Sharma and his team. Anticipating Mominul’s penchant for the sweep shot, a strategically placed leg slip curtailed his scoring options. Forced into attempting a harder sweep, Mominul found himself undone, the ball caught impressively by KL Rahul at leg slip off the bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin. This pivotal early wicket set Bangladesh back, but they temporarily steadied their innings.
Shadman Islam, playing with determination, showcased his skill with a flourishing array of boundaries, demonstrating sound defensive tactics by leaving deliveries wisely and capitalizing on any loose balls. Partnered by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, the pair put up a notable half-century stand, providing a brief respite in an otherwise turbulent morning. At that moment, the apparent calm masked the impending collapse that was about to ensue.
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The introduction of Ravindra Jadeja into the attack triggered this collapse, beginning with a questionable reverse sweep from Shanto. The ill-judged shot dismantled the Bangladesh skipper’s stumps, a breakthrough that opened the floodgates for India. Jadeja soon followed with another wicket, as Litton Das edged a spectacular delivery, and then Shakib Al Hasan meekly presented a catch back to Jadeja.
The innings, precariously placed at 91/3, soon spiraled to 94/7, Indian bowlers charging with relentless vigor. Jasprit Bumrah needed merely to mop up the remnants of Bangladesh’s tail, swiftly dispatching Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam.
Attempting to prolong the inevitable, Mushfiqur Rahim attempted to farm the strike and prolong Bangladesh’s innings alongside last man Khaled Ahmed. However, the ninth wicket’s fall just before the scheduled lunch break necessitated a session extension. Rahim, diligently chipping away at the deficit, appeared to be navigating safely to the interval only to be undone by one final act of brilliance from Bumrah. It was Bumrah’s signature off-cutter, which, with razor-like precision, bowled Rahim, whose aggressive stroke sealed Bangladesh’s fate.
For India, this was a session that exemplified dominance over their opponents, ensuring their position as frontrunners to wrap up the series. As the teams break for lunch, the contest appears wrapped with India needing merely a casual advance to reach the paltry target gifted by Bangladesh’s collapse.
Brief scores at this stage stood with Bangladesh managing 233 and 146, thanks to Shadman Islam’s 50 and Mushfiqur Rahim’s 37, against India’s formidable 285/9 declared, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul earlier having laid the groundwork with sturdy innings of 72 and 68 respectively. The accolades, however, have undeniably been deserved by India’s bowlers, with Bumrah and Jadeja orchestrating a masterful unraveling of Bangladesh’s resistance, inching India ever closer to securing a dominant series victory.