In a gripping display of cricket, India positioned themselves on the brink of a decisive victory against Bangladesh during the fifth morning of the second Test in Kanpur. The match dynamics unfolded dramatically as Bangladesh, requiring discipline and grit, capitulated spectacularly in the first session. Losing their remaining eight wickets within just under three hours, they gifted India a straightforward target of 95 runs to secure the match—a task that seemed comfortably within India’s reach.
The match witnessed Jasprit Bumrah, with figures of 3-17, and Ravindra Jadeja, boasting a 3-50, starring as the chief architects of Bangladesh’s downfall on the final day. Their exceptional bowling performances were, however, overshadowed by the visiting side’s baffling shot selection choices. Apart from the valiant efforts of Shadman Islam, who scored a fighting half-century with 50 runs, and Mushfiqur Rahim who contributed 37, the rest of Bangladesh’s batting lineup appeared uninspired and ill-prepared to battle through the decisive moments.
Starting the day with a marginal deficit of 26 runs, Bangladesh’s game plan was to surpass India’s first innings score without losing early wickets. But this blueprint unraveled almost immediately. Mominul Haque, who had earlier stood tall with a century, succumbed to a plot expertly devised by Rohit Sharma and his team. Pre-empting Mominul’s penchant for sweeping, they strategically placed a leg slip to thwart his favorite paddle shot. As Mominul attempted a harder sweep, it came off the bat awkwardly, allowing KL Rahul to seize a sharp catch at leg slip, courtesy of Ravichandran Ashwin’s skillful bowling. This early blow pierced Bangladesh’s confidence, though not without a momentary fightback.
Shadman Islam exhibited remarkable intent, dispatching boundaries with immaculate timing. His defensive abilities were impressive, leaving deliveries outside off and making the most of any lapses in India’s bowling. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto also exuded stability, as together with Shadman, they forged a critical half-century partnership, momentarily stalling India’s dominance. The pair appeared to stabilize the innings, hinting at resistance, until Ravindra Jadeja was introduced into the attack with profound impact.
In his inaugural over, Jadeja induced an otherwise preventable dismissal as Shanto opted for an adventurous reverse sweep, severely mishandling the shot as it spun back to clatter his stumps.
. This intervention by Jadeja signaled the opening of the proverbial floodgates. He soon dismissed Litton Das, who edged a magnificent delivery to the keeper, followed by Shakib Al Hasan who offered an uncharacteristically meek return catch. The dismissal spree continued as Shadman was baited into a misguided attack shortly after achieving his half-ton, falling victim to Akash Deep’s relentless aggression.
From an arguably stable 91 for the loss of three wickets, Bangladesh quickly crumbled to 94 for 7, with India’s bowlers unleashing pressure and precision. Jasprit Bumrah expedited the conclusion of Bangladesh’s innings, swiftly dispatching both Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam in rapid succession, leaving the visitors in disarray.
Mushfiqur Rahim, with steely resolve, endeavored to stave off the inevitable, adroitly managing the strike alongside last man Khaled Ahmed. This effort slightly delayed India’s advances. With the ninth wicket tumbling mere moments before the scheduled lunch break, the session was prolonged by the umpire’s provision of an extension of up to 30 minutes. Rahim endeavored against the odds to guide his team unscathed through the session, compiling runs and resisting India’s dominance. However, Bumrah sprung a trap with what was to be the final ball, compelling an ill-fated expansive drive from Rahim with a wicked off-cutter that tightened and deceived the batsman, shattering his defenses.
This session concluded on a note of triumph for the Indian contingent, now confidently poised for a ceremonial completion of their victory formalities. With a mere 95 runs set for victory, India’s spectacular work with the ball, combined with Bangladesh’s self-destructive approach, set the stage for an impending win.
Brief scores painted the picture starkly: Bangladesh at 233 and subsequently 146, led by Shadman’s 50 and Rahim’s 37. India’s bowling heroes, Bumrah with 3-17 and Jadeja with 3-34, were ably complemented by Ashwin’s initial breakthrough spell. India’s declaration at 285/9, headlined by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s substantive 72 and KL Rahul’s credible 68, had laid the groundwork. Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan, despite taking four wickets apiece, found themselves outperformed by India’s formidable strategy and execution, exemplifying the team’s seamless blend of attacking prowess and tactical acumen.