In a thrilling and unforgettable Test match, India emerged victorious with a decisive seven-wicket win over Bangladesh on the fifth day in Kanpur. This remarkable victory led India to a 2-0 series sweep, marking their 18th consecutive series win on home soil. Despite weather challenges and a slow start, India maintained their dominance, proving once again their formidable prowess in home conditions.
With a modest target of 95 to chase, India’s run pursuit echoed their first innings approach, where aggression was key. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, set the tone with a boundary, displaying intent right from the start. However, his stay was cut short by a skillful delivery from Mehidy Hasan who opened the bowling with spin from both ends. The hosts, however, remained unfazed and powered through with Yashasvi Jaiswal producing a dazzling 51, his second half-century of the game. Alongside him, Virat Kohli contributed with an authoritative 29, both ensuring that India stayed firmly in control despite Jaiswal’s dismissal at the brink of victory. Low bounce was occasionally concerning, but with such a meager target to defend, Bangladesh’s bowlers were largely ineffective against the Indian batters who seized the initiative with authority.
While the conclusion of this match on the fifth day, just after lunch, seemed inevitable, it was the strategic brilliance shown in the preceding four days that truly demarcated the match’s narrative. The first three days unfolded almost like a suspense drama, marred by adverse weather and a sluggish outfield, allowing only 35 overs of cricket on the first day. Play resumed earnestly only on the fourth day, with Bangladesh resuming their innings precariously placed at 107/3 on an unpredictable pitch. The black soil surface promised low bounce, while the damp conditions offered exaggerated movement for both pace and spin, adding an extra layer of complexity to proceedings.
Rohit’s decision to bowl first paid some dividends in these conditions but only after weather and light interruptions on the first day. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah did not hit his usual stride initially, and Mohammed Siraj showed brilliance in patches. However, Akash Deep’s impactful breakthroughs supported the initial strategy, and Ravichandran Ashwin’s magical deliveries during those overs provided glimpses of what was to come. Despite the setbacks due to weather, India elevated their game, pushing Bangladesh towards a climax that bordered on self-destruction.
Resuming on the fourth morning, the match appeared to revert to a steady pace reminiscent of typical Test cricket, with Mominul Haque steering the Bangladeshi innings towards respectability with his composed 13th Test century.
. The drama unfolded when India renewed their attack forcefully, with Bumrah’s unmistakable nipbacker sending veteran Mushfiqur Rahim back to the pavilion, setting off India’s resurgence. From there, Bangladesh’s batting lineup, unable to withstand collective Indian pressure, crumbled from 224/6 to a meager 233, opening the gateway for India’s aggressive approach.
India’s reply was nothing short of spectacular as their batters launched into a rampant attack typical of a T20 match. Rohit Sharma again ignited the innings with a brisk cameo, paving the way for Jaiswal’s explosive 51-ball 72. Such aggressive cricket unheard of in Tests, especially underpinned by low, inconsistent bounce, was remarkable. Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul continued the rebuttal in this aggressive vein. They amassed runs at a monumental scoring rate, achieving a team-average record rate of 8.22 runs per over in the innings, shaving off 238 balls less than their Bangladeshi opponents and securing a lead of 52.
An unprecedented host of records fell during this Indian innings, from the fastest fifty to two-hundred-plus scores in Test cricket, placing this performance in the annals of Test history. As India declared aggressively at the fall of their ninth wicket, it set the stage perfectly for Ravichandran Ashwin to deploy his magic with two late wickets before stumps. This further tightened the Indian grip, with the off-spinner setting the tone superbly against Zakir Hasan and nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud.
Facing a paltry lead of 26, Bangladesh’s daunting task was to take the reins of the innings without further losses. However, India’s strategic precision dismissed their plans as Mominul Haque fell victim to a masterfully conceived trap by Rohit Sharma’s side, bolstered by Ashwin’s flawless execution. The dismissal led to a swift cascade as Bangladesh slumped from 91/3 to a disappointing 94/7. Bumrah and Jadeja were instrumental, dismantling the remaining batsmen with a series of calculated dismissals.
Ultimately, this victory was an ensemble performance encapsulated by India’s strategic brilliance, from their aggressive batting intent to their relentless bowling attack. Yashasvi Jaiswal not only expedited India’s victory but ensured that this win was etched into the cricketing memories as one of the most significant in recent times. Bengals’s limitations notwithstanding, India’s win highlighted their sheer determination and strategic acumen, paving the way for more memorable triumphs on their home turf.