In what will forever resonate as one of the most astonishing Test matches in the history of cricket, India clinched a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh on the penultimate day of play in Kanpur. This win not only secured a 2-0 sweep in the two-match Test series but also marked India’s 18th consecutive series win on home soil, underscoring their dominance in subcontinental conditions.
Chasing a modest target of 95 runs, India’s strategy remained unchanged from their first innings approach. Led by captain Rohit Sharma, who opened the account with a boundary, India seemed poised for a straightforward victory. However, Rohit’s stay was unexpectedly cut short by Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan, signaling a brief wobble with spinners operating from both ends.
Nevertheless, the prodigious Yashasvi Jaiswal took charge with an assertive 51, his second half-century of the match, while stalwart Virat Kohli contributed a sturdy 29. Jaiswal departed only moments before sealing the win, but with such a minimal target, the Indian batsmen remained largely unfazed despite the pitch offering the occasional low bounce that Bangladesh’s bowlers hoped to exploit.
While the decisive victory was ultimately achieved in the second session of the final day, it was the proceedings of the previous four sessions that laid the foundation for this historic win. The first three days of the Test had unfolded like a slow-burning thriller, marred by inclement weather and an unremarkable outfield, limiting play to a mere 35 overs by the end of the opening day. Bangladesh found themselves positioned at 107/3, battling on a pitch that oscillated between low bounce and dollops of movement, courtesy of the dampness.
Choosing to bowl first, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma was initially thwarted by inconsistent performances from his pace battery, as neither Jasprit Bumrah nor Mohammed Siraj hit their strides consistently. However, Akash Deep’s crucial breakthroughs and Ravichandran Ashwin’s guile provided some consolation, validating the decision at the toss. Yet, persistent bad light and intermittent rain painted the picture of what seemed destined to be a draw.
This narrative dramatically shifted as India entered a higher gear on the fourth day of play.
. Mominul Haque, Bangladesh’s steely batsman, managed to carve a composed 13th Test century, albeit in isolation, as he found scant support from his colleagues. The dismissal of the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, who misjudged a Bumrah delivery, precipitated a collapse from a promising 224/6 to a staggering 233 all out.
Capitalizing on this momentum, India’s batsmen unleashed a whirlwind in the afternoon session. On a challenging deck for strokeplay, their aggressive T20-esque approach dismantled the Bangladeshi bowling attack with Rohit, Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Kohli all unleashing an onslaught that saw India accumulate runs at a record-breaking pace. Ending with a lead of 52 after facing significantly fewer deliveries, the hosts set a new benchmark for the fastest scoring rate in an innings exceeding 200 runs in Test history.
India’s declaration at the fall of the ninth wicket epitomized their voracity for victory, which Ashwin compounded by snaring two crucial wickets before stumps. Bangladesh’s Zakir Hasan and Hasan Mahmud found themselves victims of Ashwin’s craftiness, as India concluded the day firmly ahead.
Entering the final day with a precarious deficit, Bangladesh hoped to rally but found themselves withering under India’s relentless attack. Despite efforts from Shadman Islam, who notched up a fighting 50, Bangladesh crumbled from promising positions. Shanto’s misguided reverse sweep, coupled with loose strokes from other middle-order players like Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan, hastened their demise.
Bumrah and Jadeja continued to pierce through the Bangladesh lineup, jointly engineering a comprehensive collapse that left Rahim to battle in solitude. Despite his resistance, Bumrah ensured no escape from the inevitable on the stroke of the extended lunch session.
When India took to the crease with 95 required for victory, it seemed only a matter of formality. Jaiswal ensured the chase was brisk, guiding India with confidence to secure a victory that, despite the home advantage and the opposition’s conditions, will be remembered for its intent and tenacity.