Despite unfavorable weather conditions that shaved off nearly three days of play, India remained undeterred in their pursuit of a result, delivering a thrilling post-lunch session on the fourth day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur.
The Indian bowling unit, spearheaded by the dynamic Jasprit Bumrah, showcased clinical efficiency to restrict Bangladesh to a below-par total. Bumrah, who recorded figures of 3-50, was instrumental in slicing through the Bangladeshi tail after lunch, limiting the visitors to just 28 additional runs. Mominul Haque’s valiant unbeaten 107 was the only resistance as he witnessed wickets tumbling around him.
On the first day of the match, Bumrah appeared uncharacteristically off-color. However, the fourth day saw him back to his destructive best. His resurgence was evident in the morning session when he uprooted Mushfiqur Rahim’s stumps with a swinging nip-backer. Post-lunch, he continued his rampage by dismantling Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam. Complementing Bumrah’s efforts, Mohammed Siraj removed Hasan Mahmud, while Ravindra Jadeja reached a personal milestone by securing his 300th Test wicket, making him part of an elite club that has also amassed 3000 Test runs. Jadeja concluded the Bangladeshi innings by catching Khaled Ahmed off his own bowling.
While the Indian bowlers excelled, the most electrifying aspect of the session was the joint effort of the Indian batsmen. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set a blistering pace right from the first over, rivaling Twenty20 cricket powerplay standards. Jaiswal ignited the charge with three consecutive boundaries and before long, Rohit followed suit with two towering sixes, setting an aggressive tone. India reached 50 runs in a record-shattering three overs – the fastest fifty in Test cricket history.
Although Rohit’s blazing start came to an end, falling in quick pursuit of quick runs, Jaiswal continued unabated.
. His half-century, coming off just 31 deliveries, was the fastest against Bangladesh and the third fastest by any Indian in Test cricket. Further milestones continued to tumble as India’s century came up in the 11th over, another historic record.
The tactical blueprint was crystal clear. India adopted an ultra-aggressive approach to maximize runs on the penultimate day of the Test. Jaiswal eventually departed for a scintillating 72 off 51 balls, attempting one shot too many. Shubman Gill, however, remained steadfast at the crease with 37*, maintaining fluent strokeplay. India’s assertive intent was further underscored by the promotion of the swashbuckling Rishabh Pant to the number four position in the batting lineup.
With a minimum of 40 overs left in the day, India was well-positioned to establish a formidable lead. The rapid scoring rate indicated that if they maintained this blistering pace, a substantial lead was imminent, setting up a potential victory push on the final day’s play.
In summary, India concluded the day with an overall score of 138/2, trailing Bangladesh by 95 runs. The day’s play not only highlighted the resilience and strategic acumen of the Indian team under challenging conditions but also showcased individual milestones and stellar performances from both the batters and bowlers.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh posted a total of 233 runs, largely built around Mominul Haque’s undefeated 107. Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian bowling attack with figures of 3-50, supported by Akash Deep’s 2-43. In response, India, driven by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brisk 72 and Shubman Gill’s unbroken 37, reached 138/2, poised 95 runs behind Bangladesh’s total.
As the Test match in Kanpur progresses into its final day, cricket enthusiasts can expect an enthralling culmination to a game that has already seen records fall and individual brilliance shine through, despite the challenges posed by inclement weather.