In what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most unique Test matches in cricket history, India secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh on the fifth day of play after lunch in Kanpur. With this emphatic win, the hosts clinched the two-match Test series 2-0, marking their 18th consecutive series victory on home turf.
Facing a modest target of 95, India’s strategy was reminiscent of their first innings approach. Rohit Sharma kicked off the chase by striking a boundary, signaling an aggressive start. However, the Indian captain soon fell to Mehidy Hasan as Bangladesh deployed spin from both ends.
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his magnificent form, smashing his second fifty of the match, while Virat Kohli contributed a solid 29, largely steering the scoring responsibilities. Jaiswal fell just shy of victory, but with such a low target to defend and India’s decisive batting approach, Bangladesh’s bowlers found themselves largely ineffective. Although the win was clinched in the second session on the final day, it was India’s robust performances in the preceding sessions that defined the match.
The first three days of the Kanpur Test felt like a slow-burning thriller, marred by inclement weather and a damp outfield that impeded play. Only 35 overs were managed on the opening day, leaving fans eagerly waiting until play resumed on day four. At that point, Bangladesh stood at 107/3 on a tricky surface. The black soil offered low bounce, while the damp pitch and overhead conditions provided ample movement for pacers, making spin an imminent factor as well.
With these challenges, Rohit Sharma opted to bowl first, but India’s bowlers delivered mixed results during the initial 35 overs. Jasprit Bumrah had an uncharacteristic off-day, and Mohammed Siraj showed only intermittent brilliance. The highlight was Akash Deep’s two crucial strikes that validated Sharma’s decision, supplemented by some excellent spins from Ravichandran Ashwin. Despite these efforts, bad light and rain seemed to be steering the match towards a likely draw – that is, until India shifted gears and pushed Bangladesh to self-destruct.
The fourth day began conventionally, with Mominul Haque on his way to his 13th Test century, batting with elegant composure. However, he received little support from the other end.
. Mushfiqur Rahim’s poor decision not to play a shot to a sharp nip-backer from Bumrah marked the beginning of India’s domination. Bumrah returned to his best form, and with contributions from other bowlers, Bangladesh crumbled from 224/6 to 233 all-out. India, eager to drive home their advantage and secure maximum World Test Championship points, picked up the pace radically in their batting.
Rohit Sharma’s team unleashed a T20 style onslaught during their turn at the crease, particularly on a pitch unfriendly to fluid strokeplay. Sharma’s cameo was followed by a blistering 51-ball 72 from Jaiswal. As Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan later admitted, it was an onslaught that shattered their bowling unit. Contributions from Shubman Gill (39) and Virat Kohli (47) matched the aggressive approach, while KL Rahul’s dynamic 68 at the tail end ensured India rocketed to a 52-run lead in significantly fewer deliveries than Bangladesh.
Declaring with one wicket left, India aimed to exploit what remained of the day’s play, achieving two quick wickets thanks to Ashwin. Zakir Hasan, undone by a mixture of sliders and off-breaks, and Hasan Mahmud, who made an impetuous stroke, rounded off the day unfavorably for Bangladesh.
Resuming play with a 26-run deficit, Bangladesh’s plan was to gain the lead without losing a wicket, a plan that unraveled quickly when Mominul fell to a clever leg-side trap set by Rohit and Ashwin. Shadman Islam batted positively, scoring boundaries with precision, and along with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, they managed a half-century stand. However, Shanto’s reckless reverse sweep, off his very first over from Ravindra Jadeja, precipitated a collapse with Jadeja and Ashwin wreaking havoc. Bangladesh soon found themselves at a perilous 94/7.
Jasprit Bumrah swiftly took care of the tail with consecutive strikes, and Rahim, despite delaying the inevitable by managing the strike expertly, eventually fell to Bumrah just before the extended lunch break.
India, tasked with chasing a meager 95 runs, faced no significant obstacles. Jaiswal ensured the chase concluded rapidly, sealing a famous win for India. Although the strength of the opposition and home conditions might belittle the achievement, the aggressive intent and tactical acumen displayed by India underlined the significance and memorability of this victory.
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