In what has emerged as an indelible chapter in Test cricket, India secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh on the fifth day post-lunch in Kanpur. This emphatic win not only secured the two-match Test series 2-0 in favor of the hosts but also marked India’s remarkable 18th consecutive series triumph on home turf.
Chasing a modest target of 95, India continued with their assertive batting strategy mirrored in the first innings. Rohit Sharma initiated the pursuit with a boundary, setting the tone for the innings. However, his stint was cut short by Mehidy Hasan, who was wielding spin from both ends of the pitch alongside his teammates.
Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal once again showcased his talent, scoring his second half-century of the match, amassing 51 runs. With Virat Kohli contributing 29 runs, the duo ensured that the bulk of the chase was managed effectively, despite Jaiswal falling just shy of the finish line. Faced with erratic deliveries and a challenging target, Bangladesh’s bowlers found themselves at a loss against India’s attacking batsmen. The victory was sealed during the second session of the final day, yet the preceding four sessions were critical in tipping the scales in favor of the hosts.
During the initial phase of the Kanpur Test, the first three days unfolded like a suspense novel, lacking only the anticipated twist. Inclement weather and a sluggish outfield hindered play, allowing only 35 overs on day one. This was the sole action before play resumed on the sunnier fourth day, with Bangladesh positioned cautiously at 107/3 on a pitch characterized by unpredictability. The black soil contributed to low bounce, while adverse weather conditions and dampness facilitated erratic movement for the fast bowlers. Predictably, spin played its crucial role.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl first was understandable, given the conditions, yet the bowling attack was inconsistent on day one. Jasprit Bumrah experienced an atypical off-day and Mohammed Siraj delivered sporadically. Nonetheless, Akash Deep’s twin dismissals and Ravichandran Ashwin’s crafty spin proved timely, justifying Rohit’s decision. Severe delays due to bad light and rain seemed to have set the stage for a draw, until team India opted for an aggressive gear shift, nudging Bangladesh towards a collapse.
When play resumed on the fourth day, Mominul Haque appeared resolute, compiling his 13th Test century with ease. Despite his composure, his support waned as the innings progressed.
. The removal of Mushfiqur Rahim, who was outfoxed by Bumrah’s inswinger, spearheaded India’s charge. With Bumrah back in form and other bowlers in support, Mominul found himself isolated as partners dwindled. Bangladesh’s swift downturn from 224-6 to 233 all out renewed India’s resolve to push for a result, even with weather disruptions threatening play.
India capitalized in the fourth day’s latter half, adopting an aggressive T20-esque strategy on a tricky surface. Rohit Sharma gave a brisk start, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s rapid-fire 72 off 51 balls set the tone for an explosive session. As Mehidy noted during the day’s press circuit, Bangladesh’s bowling was rattled by India’s relentless onslaught. Batters Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul sustained the momentum with philippic strokes, catapulting India to a 52-run lead despite facing significantly fewer deliveries than their rivals and setting records in the process.
As India declared with a solid lead and the final session nearing, their aggressive bowling saw them claim two critical wickets before the end of the day, both to Ashwin. The off-spinner masterminded an LBW dismissal of Zakir Hasan and capitalized on nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud’s reckless shot, setting the stage for a conclusive final day of play.
Coming into day five with a small deficit, Bangladesh aspired to edge into a lead, but India’s strategic field placements and astute bowling had other plans. Mominul Haque fell to a well-planned trap, instigated by Rohit Sharma and executed by Ashwin, leading to his dismissal via a sharp delivery caught by KL Rahul at leg slip.
Shadman Islam’s resilient half-century was one of few positives for Bangladesh in their second innings. His effortless boundaries briefly buoyed the visitors, but Jadeja’s unyielding strike in the same vein saw Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das depart in rapid succession. Momentum swung precariously towards India, with wickets tumbling quickly as Bangladesh crumbled to 94/7.
Jasprit Bumrah’s formidable spell terminated the stoic resistance from the tailenders just before an extended lunch was announced, with the curtains closing shortly thereafter as India’s formalities concluded post-lunch.
Ultimately, India chased the trifling total with alacrity, with Jaiswal instrumental in concluding the proceedings efficiently and establishing a celebrated victory for India. Despite relative host advantages and opponent strength scrutiny, the unequivocal intent displayed under challenging conditions rendered this triumph unforgettable.
The brief scores reveal the nature of this encounter, with Bangladesh tallying 233 and 146, with standout performances from Shadman and Rahim, yet succumbing to India, who posted 285/9 dec. and 98/3, led by Jaiswal’s half-century and topped by efficient bowling from Bumrah and Jadeja, sealing a comprehensive win by seven wickets.