1st Test Day 1 Highlights: Ashwin's 3 Wickets, India Dominates Bangladesh
The first day of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chattogram was a resounding success for the visitors, with India ending the day in a commanding position. R Ashwin was the star performer, taking 3 crucial wickets to leave Bangladesh reeling at 136/6 at stumps.
India Dominates with Bat and Ball
India, electing to bat first, made a solid start with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill putting on a 52-run partnership for the first wicket. Rahul was dismissed for 22, but Gill continued his fine form, reaching a half-century before being dismissed for 54. Virat Kohli also contributed with a valuable knock of 31, helping India reach a respectable 147/5 at lunch.
After lunch, the Indian innings continued to gather momentum, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer putting on a crucial 64-run partnership. Pujara (50) and Iyer (30) both fell late in the day, but not before India had reached a strong total of 258/9 at stumps.
Ashwin Wreaks Havoc on the Bangladesh Batting Line-up
Bangladesh's reply was hampered by the pace and spin of the Indian bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj provided the early breakthrough, dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto for 8. Ashwin then came into the attack and immediately began to turn the screw. He bowled with accuracy and guile, taking the wickets of Zakir Hasan (24), Mominul Haque (19), and Litton Das (0) in quick succession.
Bangladesh's middle order crumbled under pressure, leaving them struggling at 97/5 at one stage. Nurul Hasan (34) and Mushfiqur Rahim (28) offered some resistance, but Bangladesh ultimately failed to recover from the early setbacks.
Key Takeaways from Day 1
- India's bowling attack was impressive, with Ashwin, Siraj, and Umesh Yadav all bowling with accuracy and control.
- Bangladesh's batting looked brittle against the Indian attack.
- The pitch offered some assistance to both spinners and pacers.
The first day of the test saw India establish a significant lead, and they will be confident of going on to win the match. Bangladesh will need to find a way to bounce back and put up a fight on day 2.
