In what will undoubtedly become a hallmark in Test cricket history, India secured a decisive seven-wicket triumph over Bangladesh on the fifth day after lunch in Kanpur. This victory allowed the hosts to claim the two-match Test series 2-0, marking their 18th consecutive series win on home soil.
Chasing a modest target of 95 runs, India’s approach mirrored their aggression from the first innings. Rohit Sharma initiated the pursuit with a boundary, setting an aggressive tone. However, the Indian captain was dismissed early by Mehidy Hasan as Bangladesh deployed spinners from both ends. Yashasvi Jaiswal (51) showcased his brilliance with another half-century, partnering with Virat Kohli (29) to secure the win. Despite Jaiswal falling just before the final runs, India’s batters remained unfazed, dismantling Bangladesh’s bowling on a pitch that occasionally produced unpredictable bounce.
Though the victory was sealed in the second session of the final day, the earlier sessions of the game were instrumental in defining this match. The first three days unfolded like a slow-burning thriller, marred by inclement weather and a challenging outfield, disrupting play significantly. Only 35 overs were bowled on the opening day, with Bad weather reducing action until play resumed on the fourth day. Bangladesh began that day at 107/3 on an unpredictable pitch that combined low bounce with significant movement for pacers under the gloomy sky. Spin was also set to play a major role.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl after winning the toss seemed sensible, though India’s bowlers did not dominate during the limited overs of day one. Jasprit Bumrah had an unusually quiet day, and Mohammed Siraj was inconsistent. However, Akash Deep’s timely strikes provided some justification, and Ravichandran Ashwin’s skillful spin added pressure to the Bangladeshi batsmen. Poor light and rain made a draw seem the most likely result until India decided to accelerate the game aggressively, leading Bangladesh to make crucial errors.
As the fourth day began, it seemed like an ordinary day of Test cricket. Mominul Haque appeared confident en route to his 13th Test century. The southpaw batted with elegance but lacked consistent support from his partners. The turning point came when Mushfiqur Rahim, a veteran batsman, misjudged a Bumrah delivery that swung back sharply, setting in motion India’s commanding position. India’s premier paceman regained his rhythm, while the remaining bowlers added to Bangladesh’s woes. Subsequently, Mominul was left helpless as his side crumbled from 224/6 to 233 all out—a collapse that ignited India’s aggressive approach to push for a win and accumulate crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points.
India’s bowlers delivered a masterful performance on the fourth morning, and their batters surpassed expectations in the afternoon.
. On a challenging surface, India’s lineup produced an exhilarating display reminiscent of T20 cricket in the Test format. Rohit Sharma led the onslaught with a quick cameo, but Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 72 off 51 deliveries gave India the upper hand. Mehidy Hasan later remarked in the post-day press conference on how this assault rattled Bangladesh’s bowlers.
Indian batsmen such as Shubman Gill (39) and Virat Kohli (47) mirrored this aggressive style, while KL Rahul top-scored with 68, directing India’s charge towards a commanding position. Statistically, India faced 238 fewer deliveries than Bangladesh, yet ended with a 52-run first-innings lead. This scoring rate of 8.22 marked a record for the best innings rate in Tests, with India’s innings shattering multiple records for fastest innings milestones in the format.
India declared their innings at the fall of the ninth wicket, eager to claim wickets before the day’s end. They managed to take two, both courtesy of Ashwin’s prowess. The spinner efficiently trapped Zakir Hasan LBW and induced nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud to play an ill-advised stroke, cementing India’s control over the game. As surprising as Mahmud’s choice of shot was, Bangladesh’s leading batsmen soon committed even more perplexing mistakes.
On the fifth day’s commencement, with only a 26-run deficit to overcome, Bangladesh aspired to take the lead without losing wickets. However, Mominul Haque, the first innings centurion, fell victim to a Rohit Sharma tactical move—a leg slip to counter his tendency to sweep. Attempting to execute a hard sweep, Mominul instead handed KL Rahul a sharp catch at leg slip off Ashwin’s delivery.
Shadman Islam’s positive intent saw him play several well-timed boundaries, though he ultimately succumbed to the relentless Akash Deep. Bangladesh’s fortunes took another dive from 91/3 to 94/7 as they struggled against a formidable Indian attack. Bumrah quickly dispatched the tail, capturing the wickets of Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam in swift succession. Mushfiqur Rahim delayed the inevitable briefly, but fell to Bumrah just before the extended lunch break, leaving Bangladesh all out for 146.
India’s chase of 95 was ultimately a formality. Yashasvi Jaiswal expedited proceedings, ensuring a quick and decisive win for India. While the quality of opposition and home advantage might downplay the victory’s importance, the assertive way India secured it underscored its significance, making it a momentous and memorable triumph.
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.