In an extraordinary display of dominance and skill, India secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in what has been marked as one of the most unusual Test matches in cricket history. The triumph, witnessed at Kanpur on the fifth day after the lunch session, allowed India to clinch the two-match Test series 2-0, and extend their remarkable run to 18 consecutive home series victories.
Heading into the final innings with a modest target of 95 runs, India showcased an assertive strategy akin to that of their first innings. Skipper Rohit Sharma set the tone immediately, hitting a boundary to kickstart the chase, although his stay was curtailed by Mehidy Hasan’s spin. Nonetheless, Yashasvi Jaiswal, scoring his second fifty of the match for a total of 51 runs, along with Virat Kohli contributing 29, carried the bulk of the run-chase. Jaiswal fell just before sealing victory, yet the insufficient target and an aggressive Indian batting lineup left Bangladesh with little leverage. While victory was sealed midway through the afternoon, India’s comprehensive efforts over the preceding days were the defining factors of this match.
An eerie calm enveloped the first three days of play due to adverse weather and unfavorable pitch conditions, rendering only 35 overs possible on the first day. No further play was possible until the fourth day, where Bangladesh resumed at 107/3 on a challenging pitch. Although the black-soiled pitch promised low bounce, the humid conditions allowed for significant assistance to pacers, complementing the ever-present threat of spin.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to field first was vindicated by Akash Deep’s twin strikes, with Ravichandran Ashwin delivering dependable spin bowling. However, with inclement weather and inconsistent play, a draw seemed an imminent conclusion.
Until India dramatically shifted gears on the fourth day, forcing Bangladesh into capitulation.
Mominul Haque, seeming untroubled, compiled his 13th Test century with grace. Yet, support was scant as Mushfiqur Rahim’s misjudgment—leaving a Jasprit Bumrah delivery—prompted India’s resurgence. With Siraj, Deep, and Ashwin rediscovering form, Bangladesh’s 224-6 quickly unraveled to 233 all out, with Haque stranded.
India’s resulting tenacity was a masterclass.
. Responding aggressively, they played T20-style cricket on a challenging pitch. Besides Sharma’s cameo, Jaiswal’s electrifying 51-ball 72 led an inspired charge, shaking the Bangladeshi bowling with gale-force intensity, as noted by Mehidy Hasan post-match. Contributions from Shubman Gill (39), Virat Kohli (47), and KL Rahul (68) further devastated Bangladesh’s attack, leading India to outpace their opponents by 52 runs in a mere 238 balls at an unprecedented rate of 8.22. A multitude of records fell, including fastest scoring milestones across the table in Tests.
Declaring at nine down, India’s pursuit of wickets before stumps bore fruit as Ashwin captured two crucial dismissals. He outwitted opener Zakir Hasan with clever variations before Mahmud’s uncharacteristic heave conceded middle stump—a fitting conclusion to a turbulent day.
Bangladesh began the fifth day trailing by 26 runs. Despite Shadman Islam’s positive defense, planning, and boundary scoring, the script soon crumbled. Mominul’s tryst with an Ashwin leg-side trap resulted in a sharp KL Rahul catch, triggering Bangladesh’s unraveling.
Shadman and Najmul Hossain Shanto provided a momentary reprieve, stitching a 50-run partnership. However, captain Shanto’s ill-timed reverse sweep off Ravindra Jadeja began a deluge of wickets. Jadeja was pivotal, removing Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan before giving way to Bumrah finishing off the tail, leaving Mushfiqur Rahim’s resistance brief.
India faced a target of 95, which was merely a matter of execution rather than probability. Jaiswal’s rapid-fire innings confirmed a memorable triumph, underscoring India’s decisive and vigorous intent under testing circumstances, further immortalizing this historic victory in the annals of cricket.
Brief Summary: India edged past Bangladesh with scores of 233 and 146 (Shadman Islam 50, Mushfiqur Rahim 37; Jasprit Bumrah 3-17, Ravindra Jadeja 3-34) against India’s 285/9 declared and 98/3 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 51; Mehidy Hasan 2-44), winning by seven wickets.