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.
The day began with Bangladesh resuming their innings from 224-6, a position that was shaky but not entirely hopeless. Mominul Haque took up the mantle with a stellar innings, reaching a solid century (107*). However, his valiant effort wasn’t enough as the lower order crumbled around him. Bangladesh’s innings concluded at 233, a mere addition of nine runs, thanks to India’s effective bowling attack, prominently led by Jasprit Bumrah (3-50).
India’s bowlers dominated, but it was also a significant day for Ravindra Jadeja, who reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets. This achievement placed Jadeja in the elite club of cricketers who have both 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket, underscoring his all-round abilities.
As India stepped out to bat, there was a palpable sense of urgency. The Indian top-order set an electrifying tone with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma opening the innings. Jaiswal was in sublime form, tearing into the Bangladeshi bowlers with a blistering 72 off 51 balls. Rohit Sharma, although having a brief stint at the crease, made a statement with his aggressive 23 off 11 balls, which included three towering sixes.
The middle order carried forward this aggressive approach, with KL Rahul and Virat Kohli leading the charge. Rahul’s dynamic innings of 68 off 43 balls and Kohli’s brisk 47 off 35 balls ensured India accumulated runs at a breakneck pace. This approach forced Bangladesh into a defensive mindset, unable to contain the onslaught.
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India’s innings, marked by an extraordinary strike rate of 8.22 runs-per-over, left Bangladesh shell-shocked. Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan made notable contributions with the ball, picking up four wickets each with figures of 4-41 and 4-78 respectively, but their efforts were overshadowed by India’s aggressive batting display. The hosts declared their innings at 285/9 in just under 35 overs, setting a daunting task for the visitors.
Bangladesh had a small window of opportunity to stabilize before stumps, but India continued their dominance with the ball. Ravichandran Ashwin struck twice, first removing Zakir Hasan with a classic off-spinner’s delivery and then dismissing nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud with a deceptive stroke. By the end of the day’s play, Bangladesh found themselves at 26/2, trailing by 26 runs with eight wickets in hand.
The fourth day was transformative for the Indian side, who managed to infuse life into what seemed a dead rubber. The day itself was statistically extraordinary with 437 runs scored off 85 overs and a staggering 18 wickets falling. The rapid scoring and frequent wicket-taking made it a noteworthy day in Test cricket, one that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite the aggressive play and the significant momentum in India’s favor, a draw still looms large as the most probable outcome. Yet, cricket is known for its unpredictability, and the final day could hold unexpected twists. India’s bold approach has certainly set the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 233 and 26/2 (Ravichandran Ashwin 2-14) trail India 285/9 decl. (Yashasvi Jaiswal 72, KL Rahul 68; Mehidy Hasan 4-41, Shakib Al Hasan 4-78) by 26 runs.