In an extraordinary display of cricketing prowess, India secured a memorable seven-wicket triumph over Bangladesh in what turned out to be one of the most remarkable Test matches witnessed in recent times. This remarkable victory on the fifth day of play, after Lunch in Kanpur, not only showcased India’s unwavering determination but also sealed their domination in the two-match Test series, concluding with a clean sweep of 2-0. This victory marked the host’s 18th consecutive series win at home, underscoring their dominance on home soil.
Faced with a modest target of 95 runs to win, India’s chase was aggressive and mirrored their approach from the first innings. Opener Rohit Sharma immediately went on the offensive, finding the boundary to signal India’s intent. However, his innings was cut short by Mehidy Hasan, who utilized spin from both ends, creating early pressure for the Indian side.
Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal was the backbone of India’s innings, smashing an impressive 51 runs, his second half-century of the match, partnering effectively with the experienced Virat Kohli, who contributed 29 runs to the overall chase. Despite some unpredictable deliveries that kept low, the meager target posed little challenge against India’s fiery batting lineup, and the Bangladesh bowling attack found themselves helpless as the Indian batsmen methodically dismantled their efforts. The win was eventually secured in the second session of the day, yet it was India’s mastery over the preceding four sessions that truly defined the match.
The initial three days in Kanpur presented a seemingly slow-brewing narrative that lacked the excitement of breakthroughs, as inclement weather and a sluggish outfield curtailed play. Only 35 overs were possible on the opening day, with no further play until a resumption on day four. At that point, Bangladesh had posted 107/3 on a surface that offered inconsistent bounce owing to the underlying black soil. Despite the conditions that could have favored the bowlers, including moisture and unpredictable fluctuations, Bangladesh’s initial batting lineup showed resilience.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl first at the toss initially seemed unfounded as the Indian bowlers struggled to make significant inroads during those initial overs. Occasionally penetrating spells by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj lacked consistency.
. Nevertheless, the breakthrough was achieved through Akash Deep’s two crucial wickets, which validated Rohit’s decision as the overcast conditions aided Ravichandran Ashwin in extracting significant turn. The first day concluded prematurely due to the poor light, followed by more disruptions from rain and a waterlogged outfield, which steered thoughts towards a likely draw.
However, India executed a decisive turnaround, forcing Bangladesh into a collapse on the start of the fourth morning. Mominul Haque, Bangladesh’s stoic left-hander, composed a serene century, evidencing his skill and temperament. Unfortunately for Mominul, support was scant at the crease, with Mushfiqur Rahim falling prey to a sharp delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, setting the tone for India’s rise to dominance. It triggered a collapse from Bangladesh’s position of 224/6 to a mere 233 all out, a crucial turning point India capitalized on.
Taking advantage of the situation, India’s batsmen unleashed a thrilling brand of aggressive cricket, akin to a T20 encounter, on a pitch offering little assistance to stroke-makers. Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided a fiery start, though the innings’ highlight was Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 51-ball 72 that shook the foundations of Bangladesh’s bowling strategy. Contributions from Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul further expedited India’s innings as they wrapped up their innings with a lead of 52 runs in record time, setting unprecedented run-rates in the Test format.
The intensity carried into the field with India snatching two vital wickets in Bangladesh’s second innings before the close of play, courtesy of Ravichandran Ashwin, whose canny variations tied the Bangladesh batsmen in knots. India sensed victory closing in as Bangladesh returned on the final morning, clinging to wielding control but crumbled under consistent pressure.
In a testament to India’s superior strategies and execution, they dismissed Bangladesh for a mere 146 runs in their second innings, with key contributions from Bumrah and Jadeja illuminating India’s well-rounded bowling effort. After dismissing Rahim towards the extended Lunch interval, India swiftly wrapped up their successful chase of 95 runs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive approach ensuring an exhilarating conclusion to a memorable Test match.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 233 & 146 (Shadman Islam 50, Mushfiqur Rahim 37; Jasprit Bumrah 3-17, Ravindra Jadeja 3-34) lost to India 285/9 decl. & 98/3 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 51; Mehidy Hasan 2-44) by seven wickets.