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The fourth day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh at Kanpur’s Green Park was nothing short of a spectacle, as both sides produced riveting moments in a game heavily impacted by rain delays on the first two days. With India aiming to secure a result in their favor and add crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), their batting lineup delivered a whirlwind display, setting up an exciting final day with both teams still in contention.
India’s Dominance with the Bat
Resuming the day on the back foot after persistent rain had washed out much of the first two days, India seemed determined to accelerate the game’s pace. Yashasvi Jaiswal, leading India’s charge, put on a show of attacking cricket. His 31-ball half-century was the fastest fifty in Test cricket against Bangladesh, a mark of India’s intent to push for a win despite the limited time available. Jaiswal’s innings was filled with aggressive shots, including reverse sweeps and powerful drives that left the Bangladesh bowling unit searching for answers. At one point, India was racing along at more than 10 runs per over, an extraordinary sight in Test cricket.
Captain Rohit Sharma also added fireworks early in the innings, smashing 23 off just 11 balls before he was bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. This aggressive approach from both openers saw India crossing 50 in just three overs, breaking the record for the fastest team fifty in Test history.
However, Jaiswal wasn’t the only one to shine. The experienced Virat Kohli played a steady hand, balancing aggression with control. As India’s top order fired, they quickly amassed 285 runs for nine wickets before declaring their innings, putting Bangladesh back under pressure.
Bangladesh’s Struggles with the Ball
Despite the carnage from India’s top order, Bangladesh had their moments with the ball. Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam were their most effective bowlers, occasionally managing to stem the flow of runs. Mehidy’s dismissal of Rohit was crucial, as it momentarily slowed India’s progress. Bangladesh’s fielding, however, was not without errors—missed reviews and edges that went unnoticed added to their woes.
The Kanpur crowd witnessed a rare instance where Test cricket resembled a T20 match, with India seemingly batting in overdrive to create an opportunity for a result. Yet, despite these setbacks, Bangladesh held on and eventually managed to halt India’s progress by claiming nine wickets.
Bangladesh’s Second Innings – A Battle for Survival
Facing a daunting task in their second innings, Bangladesh began cautiously, knowing that their main goal would be to survive rather than chase a massive total. But India’s bowlers, especially Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah, were in no mood to let up. Bangladesh found themselves at 26/2 at the close of play on Day 4, trailing India by 26 runs with their top order already struggling.
Ravichandran Ashwin was the star of the Indian bowling attack, picking up two quick wickets and maintaining relentless pressure. His variation and control were difficult for the Bangladeshi batters to handle, especially as they looked to defend rather than score. Bumrah, on the other hand, bowled with tight control, conceding only three runs in his three overs.
Bangladesh’s hopes now rest on their experienced middle order, particularly players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, who will be expected to lead a fightback on the final day. With the game poised on a knife’s edge, they must survive India’s ferocious attack to force a draw or risk losing valuable WTC points.
Conclusion and Final Day Preview
As the teams head into the final day, India will be eyeing quick wickets to wrap up the match and secure victory. A win here would be critical in their pursuit of more WTC points. For Bangladesh, it’s all about survival. Their defensive capabilities will be tested to the fullest as they face a fiery Indian bowling attack in what promises to be a gripping finish to the Test match.
India’s intent to push for a result was evident in their bold, attacking approach on Day 4. With only one day left, fans can expect high drama as both teams battle for a decisive outcome at Green Park, Kanpur.