Mominul Haque’s steadfast performance, characterized by his unbeaten 102*, displayed sheer class and determination as he notched up his 13th Test century. In an otherwise tumultuous fourth day of the second Test against India in Kanpur, Mominul’s innings stood out. Despite losing three crucial wickets in the morning session, the Bangladeshi skipper’s resilience ensured that the game remained competitive.
The Test match, already hindered by weather interruptions, finally resumed under clear skies. The first day’s play had already lost 55 overs to inclement weather, and the following two days were completely washed out. The fourth day, therefore, was critical for both teams, and the first hour was expected to be challenging due to the pitch conditions. As anticipated, the ball was moving significantly, posing a threat to the batters.
Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep initiated the day’s proceedings with precision and control. The duo exploited the conditions well, achieving extravagant movement with the ball. Although there wasn’t a great deal of bounce from the pitch, the considerable movement kept the Bangladeshi batsmen cautious. Mominul, resuming from his steady start on the opening day, showcased remarkable composure and accuracy in his shot selection, gauging the movements near his off stump perfectly.
However, Mominul’s continued poise was not replicated by Mushfiqur Rahim. His misjudgment against Jasprit Bumrah’s sharp delivery, a nip-backer, resulted in an early breakthrough for India. Rahim’s lack of response to the moving ball left his stumps exposed, giving India an early upper hand.
In response, Litton Das stepped onto the field with aggressive intent. His initial display of aggression included three boundaries in a single over off Bumrah, each stroke controlled and precise. Despite his initial success, Das’s overzealous approach led to his downfall. Attempting to drive Mohammed Siraj, Das mis-timed his shot, handing a stunning one-handed catch to Rohit Sharma at mid-off. The Indian fielding brilliance didn’t stop there; it was soon displayed once again.
Shakib Al Hasan, another pillar of the Bangladesh batting lineup, succumbed to a similar fate.
. Attempting a lofted shot, Shakib could only manage a high but ineffective strike, which Siraj, with commendable athleticism, caught while falling backward. This collaboration of sharp bowling and extraordinary fielding performances put India in a commanding position.
Despite the chaos that unfolded around him, Mominul remained a bastion of hope for Bangladesh. His strategy was clear – accumulate steady runs while ensuring that the team doesn’t lose further ground. Mominul’s ability to maintain his focus and continue scoring, even as wickets tumbled around him, was crucial in keeping Bangladesh afloat.
As the day progressed, the pitch conditions improved, favoring the batters more than in the morning session. Yet, the rest of the Bangladeshi batting lineup failed to capitalize on the relative ease of the pitch. The lack of application from the other end highlighted Mominul’s exceptional effort.
Mominul’s innings not only drew admiration for its technical brilliance but also for the mental fortitude he exhibited under pressure. Constantly battling against a well-versed Indian attack, Mominul’s strokes were a blend of aggression and calculated risks. His footwork against the spinners was precise, and his defense against the pacers was textbook. Every run added to his score underlined his central role in Bangladesh’s resistance.
The day’s play concluded with Bangladesh at 205/6, a position balanced precariously between hope and despair. Mominul remained unbeaten, having scored 102, an innings bolstered further by his sheer willpower. India’s bowling was notably spearheaded by Akash Deep, who claimed two wickets for 43 runs, and Ravichandran Ashwin, whose controlled variations also earned him two scalps for 45 runs.
Brief scores at the end of the day read: Bangladesh 205/6 with Mominul Haque unbeaten at 102. His efforts, amidst a strong Indian bowling attack, ensured that Bangladesh still had a fighting chance in this intriguing Test match.
In summary, while the fourth day saw dominant displays from the Indian bowlers and fielders, it was Mominul’s impeccable knock that retained Bangladesh’s prospects. As the teams gear up for the final day, all eyes will be on Mominul to see if he can continue his form and inspire his team to a possible strong finish.