In a Test match that will be etched in the annals of cricket history for its unusual circumstances and brilliant execution, the Indian cricket team clinched a notable seven-wicket triumph over Bangladesh. The match, concluding on the afternoon of the fifth day in Kanpur, also saw the home team clench the two-match Test series 2-0, marking their 18th consecutive series win on home turf.
Set to chase down a modest target of 95 runs, India adopted an aggressive approach reminiscent of their first-innings strategy. Opening batsman Rohit Sharma commenced the innings with intent, striking an early boundary. However, the Indian captain’s stay was short-lived as Mehidy Hasan claimed his prized scalp, coinciding with Bangladesh’s tactic of deploying spin from both ends.
It was Yashasvi Jaiswal who stood out, delivering an emphatic performance with a swift 51, marking his second half-century of the match. Alongside Virat Kohli, who contributed a solid 29, Jaiswal shouldered the majority of the scoring. While he fell just before sealing the victory, the low target and India’s determined batting meant Bangladesh’s bowlers had few options. The victory came in the second session of the final day, yet insight into the outcome was drawn from India’s dominance over the preceding sessions.
The initial three days of the Kanpur Test showcased a gradual buildup akin to a suspenseful narrative with inclement weather and challenging outfield conditions presenting significant impediments. Only 35 overs were bowled on the first day before the game resumed on what was technically the fourth day, with Bangladesh standing at 107/3 on an unpredictable, low-bouncing pitch exacerbated by persistent overhead wet conditions that facilitated considerable movement for seamers, aside from the indispensable spin.
Rohit’s decision to bowl first was understandable under these conditions, but his bowlers were initially inconsistent. While Akash Deep’s incisive bowling supported the decision, bringing two crucial breakthroughs, Jasprit Bumrah unusually struggled, and Mohammed Siraj showed merely sporadic promise. Complementing the approach was Ravichandran Ashwin, whose craft afforded some purchase with the ball. However, disruptive lighting and rainy weather suggested an all but certain draw, a perception India turned on its head as the Test progressed.
The drama unfurled on the fourth morning like a typical Test day, with Mominul Haque serenely progressing to his 13th Test century. His resilience, however, was unsupported by his counterparts. Mushfiqur Rahim, misjudging a sharply swinging Bumrah delivery, surrendered his wicket, igniting India’s resurgence.
. With Bumrah rediscovering his form and effective contributions from the ensemble of Indian bowlers, Bangladesh’s innings was dismantled from 224-6 to 233 all out, gifting India an enticing opportunity to press for World Test Championship points.
Following an impactful bowling display, India’s batsmen set the stage with an explosive style more akin to T20 cricket, unprecedented in Tests. Rohit laid the groundwork with a rapid stand, but it was Jaiswal’s fiery 72 off 51 balls that catalyzed India’s run chase. Shubman Gill and Kohli, aligned with captain Rohit’s aggressive approach, contributed significantly while KL Rahul provided a flamboyant finish. In a record-breaking spree, India achieved the fastest 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 in a Test innings, crossing the target in fewer deliveries than anticipated, accumulating a 52-run lead.
With a fourth evening of intense action, India seized two significant wickets before close of play courtesy of Ashwin’s seasoned craftsmanship, dismissing openers under the fading daylight. The fifth day dawned with Bangladesh trailing by 26 runs with survival on their mind. Yet, an astute Indian strategy saw Mominul, their first innings centurion, enticed into an erroneous sweep that KL Rahul spectacularly caught. Shadman Islam wielded his bat with offensive intent, preventing loose deliveries from escaping unpunished whilst teaming with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
However, Jadeja’s unutilized arm delivered telling blows, dispatching Shanto with a reverse sweep gone awry, and soon replicating this with Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan. Shadman, having shown promise with a half-century, succumbed to Akash Deep’s persistence. The Bangladeshi side crumbled from 91/3 to 94/7, unable to withstand India’s incendiary attack until Bumrah closed the innings before lunch with another characteristic burst.
With just 95 to win, India unwaveringly advanced to an effortless victory. Jaiswal ensured the formalities were swift, cementing what might have seemed a routine win overshadowed by home advantage and the opposition’s perceived strength. Still, India’s assertive demonstration of intent through adverse circumstances makes this standout win unforgettable.
Brief scores aptly encapsulate the outcome: Bangladesh’s 233 and 146 comprised Shadman Islam (50) and Mushfiqur Rahim (37) under an Indian onslaught led by Bumrah (3-17) and Jadeja (3-34). In response to India’s 285/9 declared and 98/3 (with Jaiswal’s compelling 51), Mehidy Hasan’s modest 2-44 underlined an extraordinary match.