India’s sheer intent and aggressive execution helped them stay on top through an action-packed fourth day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Having lost 55 overs on the opening day and then two full days, all to the weather, the Test match seemed to be heading towards a drab draw. It could still end in a stalemate, but India came out all guns blazing on the penultimate day to change the narrative.
Amidst the gloomy predictions for a dull draw, the Indian team, led by KL Rahul, displayed fireworks that lit up the Kanpur ground and kept the audience at the edge of their seats. KL Rahul’s dynamic performance, scoring a rapid 68 off just 43 balls, was pivotal in India’s bid to rack up a significant lead swiftly. The Karnataka batsman was at his best, ruthlessly dominating the Bangladesh bowlers.
Rahul’s 87-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who contributed a brisk 47 off 35 balls, ensured that Indians capitalized on the solid start provided by their top order. The aggressive approach by both Rahul and Kohli, known more for their classical style of batting, was a clear deviation and set the tone for the rest of the lineup. This aggressive mindset was evident when Yashasvi Jaiswal, in a blazing post-lunch session, scored a blistering 72 off just 51 deliveries. His fiery opening stand with Rohit Sharma, who smashed 23 off 11 balls with three towering sixes, sent a clear message that India was out for a decisive victory.
Shubman Gill added to the quick runs tally with his 39 off 37 balls, even though Rishabh Pant’s promotion up the order didn’t pay off. The hosts declared their innings at 285 after just under 35 overs, with a phenomenal scoring rate of 8.22 runs per over. This aggressive batting approach, even outdoing England’s famed ‘Bazball’ style, left the Bangladesh team stunned and under significant pressure.
Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan, leading the Bangladesh bowling attack, managed to claim four wickets each, but their efforts seemed insufficient against India’s onslaught.
. Hasan’s 4-41 and Shakib’s 4-78 reflected their resilience, but it was more about India’s relentless pursuit of runs that stood out.
The final session of the day saw Bangladesh under the pump, with a tricky period to navigate before stumps. Ravichandran Ashwin, with his deft off-spin, claimed two crucial wickets. Zakir Hasan fell to a classic off-spinner’s delivery, while nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud succumbed to an ill-judged shot, reducing Bangladesh to 26/2 at the close of play.
This remarkable performance ensured an upper hand for India as the day ended. Bangladesh started their day reasonably well but lost momentum quickly after losing three major wickets in the morning session. Mominul Haque, with a composed and unwavering 107*, was the lone warrior for Bangladesh. However, the left-hander found little support from his teammates, leading to their collapse from 224/6 to 233 all out.
On India’s side, Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming 3-50, and got excellent support from his fellow bowlers. The day also marked a landmark achievement for Ravindra Jadeja, who joined the elite club of players with 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket, reflecting his all-around prowess on the field.
The day’s stats painted a vivid picture of the intense action, with 437 runs scored off 85 overs and 18 wickets falling in the process. Bangladesh still trails by 26 runs with eight wickets remaining, leaving a draw as the most plausible outcome. However, given the unpredictability of Test cricket, especially on the final day, one cannot rule out a surprising turn of events.
In brief, the scores for the day were Bangladesh at 233 and 26/2 (Ravichandran Ashwin 2-14), and India at 285/9 declared (Yashasvi Jaiswal 72, KL Rahul 68; Mehidy Hasan 4-41, Shakib Al Hasan 4-78), trailing by 26 runs. As the match heads into its final day, cricket enthusiasts anticipate a riveting end to what has been an unpredictably thrilling Test match.