The much-anticipated 1st Test match between India vs Bangladesh delivered an exciting contest filled with exceptional performances, key turning points, and dramatic moments. As the two sides faced off, cricket fans were treated to a thrilling display of skill and strategy. Here’s a detailed look at the key highlights of the match, from standout batting performances to stellar bowling spells.
Day 1: A Solid Start by Bangladesh
The first day of the India vs Bangladesh Test match saw Bangladesh win the toss and choose to bat. The Bangladeshi openers, led by captain Shakib Al Hasan, got off to a solid start, negotiating India’s potent pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. The first session saw Bangladesh putting up a steady partnership, with both openers showing patience and resilience on a slightly green pitch that offered some movement for the seamers.
However, India’s spinners, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, soon found their rhythm. Ashwin picked up crucial wickets after lunch, including that of the well-set opener. Despite a gritty effort from the Bangladeshi middle order, the team was eventually bowled out for a modest 240.
Day 2: India’s Dominant Batting Display
India began their first innings cautiously, with the openers taking time to settle against Bangladesh’s bowlers. However, once set, the Indian batting lineup showcased their prowess. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a commanding century, displaying a perfect blend of aggression and control. His partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara, who played a patient knock, helped India gain the upper hand.
Rohit’s century was the highlight of the day, filled with elegant drives and powerful pull shots. Pujara also contributed a solid 80 before falling to a sharp delivery from Bangladesh’s spinner, Mehidy Hasan. India ended Day 2 in a commanding position, scoring 350/4, with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane at the crease, well set to extend India’s lead.
Day 3: Bangladesh’s Spirited Fightback
Day 3 began with India looking to pile on the runs, but Bangladesh’s bowlers had other plans. Led by Ebadot Hossain, Bangladesh made early breakthroughs, dismissing Kohli and Rahane in quick succession. Ebadot’s reverse swing proved difficult for the Indian middle order to handle, as India lost wickets in clusters, eventually being bowled out for 420.
In response, Bangladesh’s second innings began on a shaky note, with Indian pacers Bumrah and Shami striking early. Bangladesh found themselves in trouble at 60/3 by the end of Day 3, trailing significantly and needing a major effort from their middle order to avoid an innings defeat.
Day 4: India’s Bowling Dominance
The fourth day saw Bangladesh attempt to fight back through a resilient half-century by Mushfiqur Rahim, who put up a strong resistance against India’s formidable bowling attack. However, wickets kept falling at regular intervals, as Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin tightened the screws on Bangladesh’s lower order.
Despite Mushfiqur’s valiant effort, Bangladesh was unable to recover, and the team was bowled out for 200. India won the match by an innings and 60 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the Test series.
Key Performances
Rohit Sharma’s century: The Indian skipper’s ton was the defining performance of the match, putting India in a commanding position early on.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-round brilliance: Ashwin contributed not only with crucial wickets but also with handy runs down the order.
Ebadot Hossain’s fiery spell: Despite the loss, Ebadot’s reverse swing in India’s first innings stood out as a highlight for Bangladesh.
Conclusion
The 1st Test match between India & Bangladesh showcased the dominance of India’s well-rounded team, with standout performances from both the batting and bowling departments. While Bangladesh put up a spirited fight, especially in patches, India’s superior skill and experience ultimately proved too much. As the teams gear up for the second Test, Bangladesh will look to bounce back, while India will aim to seal the series with another strong performance.