At the close of play on Day 3 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India is well on top. Bangladesh, chasing a mammoth target of 515 runs, finds itself in a tough spot at 158/4, still needing 357 more runs for victory. The day, which ended early due to bad light, saw India wrest control in the final session thanks to a brilliant spell of bowling from Ravichandran Ashwin, whose three wickets late in the day halted the visitors’ progress.
Bangladesh’s Steady Start
Bangladesh began their daunting chase with purpose and composure. Openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan gave the visitors a solid start, putting on a 62-run partnership. Both players played with determination, handling India’s pace attack well in the initial overs. Zakir, who contributed 33 runs from 47 balls, looked solid before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah’s breakthrough came after a diving catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal in the slips, breaking Bangladesh’s opening stand.
Shadman Islam, the other opener, also played a responsible knock, adding 35 runs from 68 balls. He displayed grit against India’s spinners before falling to Ravichandran Ashwin. Shadman’s dismissal, caught by Shubman Gill at midwicket, triggered a mini-collapse for Bangladesh, as their middle order struggled to cope with the rising pressure.
Ashwin and Jadeja Spin a Web
India’s bowling attack, particularly the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, seized control of the match in the final session. Ashwin, who had a quiet first innings, was the star performer this time, taking three key wickets and sending Bangladesh’s batting lineup into disarray. His first victim was Shadman, and he followed it up with the scalps of Mominul Haque and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim.
Mominul, batting at number three, struggled to settle at the crease and was bowled by Ashwin for just 13 runs. His departure left Bangladesh at 124/3, and soon after, Mushfiqur Rahim also succumbed to Ashwin’s clever variations. Mushfiqur, who has been a mainstay of Bangladesh’s middle order for years, was caught by KL Rahul at mid-on for 13. Ashwin’s triple blow left Bangladesh reeling at 146/4, just as they seemed to be finding some rhythm.
Jadeja, though not as prolific with the wickets as Ashwin, played an important supporting role, applying pressure from the other end. His accuracy and consistency made scoring difficult for the Bangladesh batters, allowing Ashwin to attack from the other side. Jadeja’s discipline helped keep Bangladesh’s run rate under control, further compounding their difficulties.
Shanto’s Lone Battle
One of the bright spots for Bangladesh has been the performance of their skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto. Shanto played with composure and maturity, reaching a well-deserved half-century and remaining unbeaten at stumps on 51. His innings has been the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s resistance, as he has anchored the team’s batting and tried to steer them through a challenging period.
Shanto’s efforts will be crucial as Bangladesh head into Day 4, but he will need significant support from the lower order if they are to have any chance of saving this match. Bangladesh still has experienced players like Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das to come, but the challenge of facing a potent Indian bowling attack on a deteriorating pitch is monumental.
India’s Dominance with the Bat
India’s stronghold on the match was established earlier in the day with a commanding second-innings batting performance. Resuming their innings on Day 3 at 205/3, India’s batsmen continued to pile on the runs. Rishabh Pant, playing his first Test since his return from injury, dazzled with a scintillating century. His 109 runs came off just 128 balls, with 13 boundaries and four massive sixes. Pant’s aggressive batting put Bangladesh on the back foot, as he dominated the bowling attack with his fearless strokeplay.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, played a more controlled and composed innings, finishing unbeaten on 119. Gill’s knock, laced with 10 boundaries and four sixes, showcased his growing maturity as a Test cricketer. His partnership with Pant was worth 167 runs, and their combined efforts allowed India to declare their innings at 287/4, setting Bangladesh an improbable target of 515 runs to win the match.
The Road Ahead for Bangladesh
With two full days left in the match, Bangladesh faces a massive challenge if they are to avoid defeat. They still need 357 more runs to win, but with only six wickets in hand, survival will be their main focus on Day 4. The pitch at Chepauk is showing signs of wear, with variable bounce and increasing turn for the spinners, making batting even more difficult as the game progresses.
For Bangladesh to save this match, they will need a monumental effort from their remaining batsmen. Skipper Shanto’s resilience will be key, and he will hope for strong support from players like Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan. However, with Ashwin and Jadeja in fine form, India will be confident of wrapping up the match early on Day 4.
India’s Road to Victory
India, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their momentum and finish the job on Day 4. With four wickets already in the bag, they are in a commanding position to secure a comprehensive victory. Ashwin and Jadeja will continue to play a crucial role, as the pitch remains conducive to spin. India’s fast bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, have also been effective in creating pressure, and they will likely play a role in cleaning up the lower order.
Rohit Sharma and his team will be satisfied with their performance so far. They have outplayed Bangladesh in all departments, and with victory in sight, India will aim to finish the game quickly and start the series on a winning note.
Conclusion
As Day 4 approaches, India holds a firm grip on the first Test, with Bangladesh struggling at 158/4. The final session of Day 3 saw India take control, thanks to a brilliant spell from Ravichandran Ashwin. Bangladesh still needs 357 runs to win, but with only six wickets in hand, their chances of pulling off a miracle are slim. India, led by their spinners and backed by a dominant batting display, is on the verge of securing a convincing victory.