The first Test between India and Bangladesh has reached a tense climax, with India making significant inroads into Bangladesh’s batting lineup in the final session on Day 3 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Bangladesh had started their second innings promisingly, but a flurry of late wickets by India’s bowlers has tilted the game firmly in India’s favor.
Bangladesh’s Resilient Start
Chasing a daunting target of 515 set by India, Bangladesh began their innings with composure. Openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan put together a solid 62-run partnership, defying India’s bowling attack. Both batsmen played with patience and discipline, utilizing the Chepauk surface that had shown some favorable conditions for batting earlier in the day. Zakir, with 33 runs, and Shadman, contributing 35, laid a stable foundation, giving Bangladesh a glimmer of hope to reach their massive target.
However, their resilience started to crumble when Zakir was dismissed by a brilliant catch from Yashasvi Jaiswal. This marked the first wicket for India in what turned out to be a pivotal session for them. Despite a good half-century by Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, the visitors started to feel the pressure as the Indian spinners began to dominate.
Ashwin and Jadeja Turn the Game Around
Ravichandran Ashwin, who had gone wicketless in Bangladesh’s first innings, turned the match on its head in the final session. He took three crucial wickets, dismissing Shadman, Mominul Haque, and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim. Bangladesh’s middle order faltered under Ashwin’s persistent spin attack, finding it difficult to score runs as the pitch started showing signs of wear.
Ravindra Jadeja, who had earlier played a pivotal role with the bat, also chipped in with tight bowling, putting additional pressure on Bangladesh’s batters. India’s bowlers, led by Ashwin, executed their game plan perfectly, targeting key players with disciplined line and length. The light began to fade as the day wore on, and the umpires called stumps with Bangladesh at 158/4, still requiring over 350 runs to win with just six wickets remaining.
India’s Dominance with the Bat
Earlier in the day, India’s strong position in the match was built on the backs of centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill. Both players showed tremendous form as they guided India to a commanding lead before declaring at 287/4. Pant, in particular, was aggressive, smashing 109 runs, while Gill remained unbeaten on 119. The pair’s partnership of 167 runs not only piled on the pressure for Bangladesh but also ensured India had enough runs on the board to attack aggressively with their bowling.
Gill, who had failed in the first innings, responded with a magnificent knock, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings in the second. Pant, known for his audacious stroke play, lived up to his reputation with some stunning shots, including his signature one-handed six. Their partnership not only solidified India’s control but also allowed captain Rohit Sharma to declare early, giving his bowlers ample time to attack Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Challenges for Bangladesh
Bangladesh, coming off a historic series win against Pakistan, entered this match with high confidence. However, their fielding and catching let them down on Day 3, with key chances missed, including a dropped catch that could have dismissed Pant early. Their bowling, led by Hasan Mahmud, started brightly but couldn’t sustain pressure as India’s batters took control. Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s star all-rounder, has yet to find his best form in the series, both with the bat and ball, further compounding their struggles.
As they head into Day 4, Bangladesh faces an uphill battle. With Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan, two of their most experienced players, still at the crease, there is some hope for a fightback. However, with the pitch deteriorating and India’s spinners gaining confidence, it will take an extraordinary effort for Bangladesh to avoid defeat in this Test.
Conclusion
India’s late-session burst has put them in pole position to win the first Test in Chennai. Bangladesh, after a promising start, lost four crucial wickets and now face a monumental challenge to salvage the match. Ashwin and Jadeja’s bowling, coupled with Pant and Gill’s earlier batting heroics, have set up a likely Indian victory, barring a miraculous batting display from Bangladesh on Day 4.
The stage is set for an intense conclusion to the match, with India needing just six more wickets to seal the win, while Bangladesh will be hoping for a historic turnaround to save the Test.