Ravichandran Ashwin delivered two crucial blows in Bangladesh’s second innings, as the fourth day of the second Test concluded with India firmly in control at the Green Park Stadium. Bangladesh ended the day at 26/2, trailing India by 26 runs, with Ashwin exploiting the turning pitch to put the visitors on the back foot.
India Declares at 285/9 After Aggressive Batting Display
After dismissing Bangladesh for 233 in their first innings, India took a bold approach in their reply, declaring at 285/9 in just 34.4 overs. The Indian openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, came out with an aggressive intent, quickly putting Bangladesh on the defensive. The opening pair set the tone with a blistering start, racing to 50 runs in just three overs. Jaiswal continued his stellar form, smashing a rapid 72 off just 51 balls, while Rohit contributed with a quick 23 before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
KL Rahul, who had struggled for form earlier, found his rhythm and played an attacking innings of 68 from 43 deliveries. Virat Kohli also joined the run-fest with a fluent knock of 47 from 35 balls. Although the middle order wobbled slightly, with Bangladesh’s spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, picking up crucial wickets, the lower-order batsmen managed to push India’s total to a commanding 285/9.
Mehidy was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, finishing with impressive figures of 4-41, while Shakib took 4-78. Despite their efforts, the quick scoring by India left Bangladesh with an uphill task in their second innings.
Ashwin Breaks Bangladesh’s Resistance
Bangladesh’s second innings got off to a disastrous start as they faced the challenge of batting in the final session of the day on a pitch that offered plenty of assistance to the spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin, using his experience and the conditions to his advantage, struck twice to leave the visitors in deep trouble.
Ashwin first removed opener Zakir Hasan, who was caught for 10, and then quickly followed up by dismissing Hasan Mahmud for 4. The pitch continued to turn and bounce, making life difficult for the Bangladeshi batsmen as they struggled to cope with Ashwin’s spin. Shadman Islam, who remained unbeaten on 7 at stumps, will be key to Bangladesh’s hopes of salvaging something from this match.
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Mominul Haque Shines With 107 Not Out
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their first innings at 205/6 but could only add 28 more runs before being bowled out for 233. Mominul Haque, standing tall amidst the collapse, played a superb knock of 107 not out, showing great patience and resilience on a difficult pitch. His innings was the highlight of Bangladesh’s first innings, but unfortunately, it was not enough to lift his team to a competitive total.
India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah (3/50), were relentless in their attack. Mohammed Siraj, debutant Akash Deep, and Ravichandran Ashwin all chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring that Bangladesh never gained any momentum in their innings.
With two days of the match lost to rain, India will look to press for a victory on the final day, with Bangladesh needing to stage a remarkable fightback to avoid defeat.
Brief Scores:
- Bangladesh 1st innings: 233 all out in 74.2 overs (Mominul Haque 107 not out, Najmul Hossain Shanto 31; Jasprit Bumrah 3-50, Akash Deep 2-43)
- India 1st innings: 285/9 in 34.4 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 72, KL Rahul 68; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4-41, Shakib Al Hasan 4-78)
- Bangladesh 2nd innings: 26/2 in 11 overs (Shadman Islam 7 not out; Ravichandran Ashwin 2-14)
