In an extraordinary display of resilience and skill, India clinched a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh on the final day of the Test match in Kanpur, just after lunch. This victory not only secured India’s 2-0 win in the two-match Test series but also marked their 18th consecutive series victory on home soil, a testament to their unwavering dominance.
Chasing a modest target of 95 runs, India’s approach mirrored their strategy in the first innings, with Rohit Sharma once again leading the charge by hitting an early boundary. However, Sharma fell shortly thereafter to Mehidy Hasan, who had deployed spin from both ends in an attempt to destabilize the Indian batting lineup.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored his second half-century of the game, and Virat Kohli, accounted for most of the runs, although Jaiswal was dismissed just before reaching the victory mark. Amidst the occasional low bounce, the Bangladesh bowlers struggled to mount any significant pressure, and India’s relentless batting saw them through to a famous win. Despite the low target, it was the performances in the preceding sessions that set up India’s triumph.
The Test began with a slow pace due to inclement weather and an underwhelming outfield, which marred the first three days. Only 35 overs were bowled on the opening day. When play resumed on the fourth day, Bangladesh were at 107/3 on a tricky pitch. The black soil contributed to low bounce, while the wet conditions allowed dramatic movement for the pacers, making spin an ever-looming threat.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl first seemed vindicated only partially as Jasprit Bumrah had an uncharacteristically off day, and Mohammed Siraj showed form only in spurts. It was Akash Deep’s double strike and Ravichandran Ashwin’s adept handling of the ball that gave some credibility to Rohit’s choice. Yet, with bad light and rain disrupting play on the first day, a draw seemed the most probable result.
India then shifted gears dramatically, compelling Bangladesh into a self-inflicted collapse. The fourth day began under typical Test match conditions, with Mominul Haque at ease, cruising to his 13th Test century. But support from the other end was lacking. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim’s dismissal, as he left a sharp Bumrah delivery, set the tone for India’s resurgence. Bumrah regained his form, supported ably by the other Indian bowlers, leaving Mominul stranded as Bangladesh crumbled from 224/6 to 233 all out.
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India’s bowlers set the stage for their batsmen, who responded with an aggressive and innovative display, reminiscent of T20 cricket on a pitch not conducive to stroke play. Sharma’s quick cameo and Jaiswal’s blazing 51-ball 72 were highlights as India notched up a lead of 52 runs despite facing 238 deliveries fewer than their opponents. Their scoring rate of 8.22 shattered records, including the fastest team milestones for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs in Tests.
India declared at the fall of the ninth wicket, with hopes of taking a wicket before stumps. Ashwin answered the call, dismissing Zakir Hasan with a clever mix of deliveries and nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud with a hurried slog. As play resumed, Bangladesh, trailing by 26 runs, had a glimmer of hope which quickly faded.
Mominul Haque, initially poised, fell to a calculated plan involving a leg slip. Shadman Islam batted positively and along with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, attempted to stabilize the innings. However, Shanto’s reckless attempted reverse sweep against Ravindra Jadeja backfired, precipitating a collapse. Jadeja dismissed Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan in quick succession, while Shadman followed his fifty with a loose shot off Akash Deep’s bowling.
Bumrah swiftly dealt with the tail, leaving Bangladesh reeling. Rahim, trying to delay the inevitable, was eventually dismissed by Bumrah just before the extended lunch break.
With the target set at 95, it was a matter of “when” rather than “if” for India. Jaiswal’s aggressive half-century hastened the win, capping off a match characterized by India’s dominant performance. The win in adverse conditions underscored India’s resolve and tactical acumen, marking it as a memorable victory despite the strength of the opposition and familiar home conditions.
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.