In what will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of cricket history as one of the most extraordinary Test matches ever played, India secured a commanding seven-wicket triumph over Bangladesh on the fifth day after lunch in Kanpur. With this emphatic victory, the hosts wrapped up the two-match Test series with a 2-0 clean sweep, marking their 18th consecutive series win on home soil.

Facing a modest target of 95 runs, India’s approach mirrored their tactics in the first innings. Rohit Sharma signaled intent with a boundary but fell to Mehidy Hasan early in the innings just as Bangladesh unleashed spin at both ends. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who ensured stability with a fluent 51, recorded his second half-century of the match and led the scoring charge alongside Virat Kohli, who contributed with 29 runs. Although Jaiswal departed on the brink of victory, the target was too diminutive for Bangladesh’s defense, and their bowlers seemed helpless against India’s determined batting lineup. India clinched the win in the second session of the final day, but their strategic gameplay during the earlier sessions paved the way for this comprehensive triumph.

The initial three days of the Test in Kanpur unfurled like a slow-burning thriller without the expected twists, hampered by adverse weather and a subpar outfield that delayed play. Only 35 overs were bowled on the first day, leaving spectators in anticipation until cricket action resumed on the fourth day. Bangladesh found themselves at 107/3 on a pitch that was quite unpredictable due to its black soil, which contributed to low bounce and exacerbated by damp conditions that encouraged excessive movement. Spin, predictably, played an integral role as well.

Rohit’s decision to bowl first appeared sound, especially given the challenging surface dynamics. However, his bowlers struggled to dictate the play on the first day. Jasprit Bumrah had an unusual off-day, and Mohammed Siraj was erratic at best. It was Akash Deep’s twin breakthroughs that justified the toss decision, complemented by Ravichandran Ashwin’s early spin magic. Nevertheless, the subsequent bad light and rain seemed to consign the match towards a draw.

Any illusions of a draw were dispelled when India shifted gears dramatically, prompting a self-destructive meltdown from Bangladesh.

The fourth day commenced as any typical day in Test cricket with Mominul Haque comfortably reaching his 13th Test century, showcasing elegant stroke play. Despite his composed innings, a lack of support from the other end was evident. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim’s unusual dismissal—shouldering arms to a devastating Jasprit Bumrah in-swinger—heralded the resurgence of India’s dominance. Bumrah found his form, with his bowling colleagues also proving effective. Consequently, Mominul was left stranded as Bangladeshi wickets tumbled, concluding with them being bowled out for a mere 233, transforming the match trajectory in favor of India.

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In response, the Indian batting lineup unleashed an extraordinary brand of Test cricket. Rohit Sharma set the tone with an explosive cameo, but it was Jaiswal’s rapid 72 off just 51 balls that orchestrated India’s trailblazing performance. According to Mehidy Hasan’s post-play reflections, this unexpected aggressive approach rattled the Bangladesh bowling unit. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli also embraced aggressive strategies, further accelerated by KL Rahul’s dynamic play at the fag end. In context, India required 238 deliveries less than Bangladesh and yet accrued a 52-run lead. Their staggering scoring rate of 8.22 smashed records for the best innings run rate for any team surpassing 200 in Test cricket; several other records also fell, including the fastest 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 milestones.

With the declaration reaching after the ninth wicket fell, India eyed taking several early Bangladesh wickets to seize control on the final day. The plan worked with Ashwin claiming two crucial dismissals before stumps. Zakir Hasan was trapped LBW, baffled by Ashwin’s clever variations, while nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud’s attempt at an ill-advised slog resulted in his bow, summarizing another stellar day for India.

Bangladesh’s quest began uphill with a small deficit of 26 but quickly derailed. Mominul’s dismissal via a strategic field placement—a leg slip hindering his sweep options—underscored India’s tactical brilliance, leading to a sharp KL Rahul catch off Ashwin. Although Shadman Islam and Najmul Hossain Shanto engineered a resilient partnership, Jadeja’s introduction dismantled any resurgence with immediate effect. Shanto’s inexplicable reverse sweep and Litton Das’s nick behind to a sumptuous Jadeja delivery sparked a batting collapse. Shakib Al Hasan departed too, providing another catch back, and soon Shadman relinquished his wicket following his half-century succumbing to Akash Deep’s persistence.

Bangladesh, grappling from 91/3 to a disastrous 94/7, faced India’s onslaught. Bumrah quickly mopped up the tailenders, leaving Rahim momentarily delaying the inevitable through strategic defense with Khaled Ahmed. Alas, Bumrah claimed Rahim’s wicket just before lunch, truncating Bangladesh’s innings to 146.

India’s pursuit of 95 runs was never in doubt, and Jaiswal ensured the chase ended swiftly, cementing a historic win. Although conditions heavily favored India, their relentless pursuit of victory amidst such barriers underscored the magnitude of this win, etching it profoundly in the chronicles of Indian cricket.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 233 and 146 (Shadman Islam 50, Mushfiqur Rahim 37; Jasprit Bumrah 3-17, Ravindra Jadeja 3-34) lost to India 285/9 decl. and 98/3 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 51; Mehidy Hasan 2-44) by seven wickets.

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