Kanpur: India cruised to a convincing 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh, sealing the two-match Test series 2-0 at Green Park Stadium here on Tuesday.
Despite nearly three days being lost to relentless rain, the hosts, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, made light work of chasing a 95-run target on the final day, wrapping up the series in style.
The Test, which seemed destined for a rain-soaked draw, was resurrected by India’s bowlers, who took command on the fourth and fifth days. Rain had disrupted the first three days, with Bangladesh struggling to 233 in their first innings after being put in to bat on a damp pitch.
India’s reply saw them declare on 285 for 9, securing a slender 52-run lead, but it was the second innings where the drama truly unfolded. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah unleashed a ruthless bowling performance, bundling Bangladesh out for just 146.
The modest target of 95 runs was achieved in just 17.2 overs, though not without some early hiccups. India lost two quick wickets, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill falling cheaply. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the chase with a composed 51, before Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant sealed the victory with an aggressive finish.
For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam managed to pick up a couple of wickets, but the result was never in doubt. The visitors, unable to capitalise on the momentum from the first Test, were left to rue missed opportunities.
One of the most significant takeaways for India was the emergence of Akash Deep. Filling the shoes of India’s regular pacers, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, impressing with his accuracy and aggression. His ability to complement the seasoned bowling attack of Bumrah, Ashwin, and Jadeja could be a sign of greater things to come for the young fast bowler.
Ashwin was deservedly named Player of the Series, having been instrumental with both ball and bat, while Jaiswal’s steady knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
The Test was far from routine, with rain dictating much of the play. After just 35 overs were bowled on the first day, the second and third days were completely washed out. But the Indian bowlers came roaring back, showing discipline and patience as they kept Bangladesh under pressure.
Bumrah, as always, led the pace attack with fiery spells, claiming 3 for 17, including a clever off-cutter that took out the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim. Jadeja spun his magic too, dismissing key batsmen like Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. Bangladesh, who had been 91 for 3, collapsed dramatically, losing seven wickets for just 55 runs.
This win bolsters India’s standings in the ICC World Test Championship, where they now hold a commanding lead with a 74.24% PCT. Bangladesh, on the other hand, dropped to seventh place, struggling with a 34.37% PCT after consecutive defeats.
India’s journey towards the WTC final seems well on track, while Bangladesh will need to regroup after this challenging series loss.
