Bangladesh vs India 1st Test Day 1: Ashwin Leads India to 339/6
The first day of the much-anticipated Bangladesh vs India 1st Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram witnessed a dominant performance from the Indian team, led by a brilliant century from Ravichandran Ashwin. India ended the day on a strong note, posting a formidable score of 339/6, setting the stage for a challenging chase for the hosts.
Ashwin Shines with a Century
Ravichandran Ashwin, often hailed for his prowess with the ball, displayed his batting brilliance on Day 1, scoring a magnificent century (123 runs off 197 balls). His innings, studded with 17 boundaries and 1 six, proved to be the cornerstone of India's strong showing. This is Ashwin's 7th Test century, and it came at a crucial time, providing India with a much-needed anchor in the middle order.
Early Wickets and KL Rahul's Stumble
India's innings began on a shaky note, losing opener Shubman Gill early. The second opener, KL Rahul, also failed to capitalize on his start, falling victim to Taijul Islam for a paltry score of 22. This early setback brought Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli to the crease.
Pujara and Kohli Stabilize the Innings
The veteran duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli steadied the Indian ship, stitching a crucial partnership of 67 runs. Pujara, known for his resilience, scored a solid 41 before being dismissed by Shoriful Islam. However, Kohli continued his strong form, reaching his 76th Test half-century. He remained unbeaten on 76 at the close of play.
Bangladesh Bowlers Struggle for Control
The Bangladesh bowling attack, despite picking up early wickets, struggled to maintain control throughout the day. Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing three wickets, while Taijul Islam and Khaled Ahmed claimed one each. However, the lack of consistent pressure from the Bangladeshi bowlers allowed India to build a strong platform for a big score.
India's Strong Finish
India continued to build their lead in the final session of the day, with Ashwin and Shreyas Iyer forming a crucial partnership. Iyer (87 runs) played a crucial role in accelerating the scoring rate, providing valuable support to Ashwin. The day ended with India well positioned to take control of the match in the coming days.
Key Takeaways from Day 1
- Ravichandran Ashwin's brilliant century stole the show, highlighting his versatility as a batsman.
- The Indian middle order showed resilience and experience, building a strong foundation for a big score.
- Bangladesh bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, allowing them to dictate the pace of the game.
- The first day has set the stage for an exciting contest, with both teams having their opportunities in the coming days.
Looking Ahead
The second day of the Test will be crucial for Bangladesh as they aim to restrict India's scoring and make a comeback in the match. The pressure will be on the Bangladesh bowlers to find a way to break the Indian partnership and get back into the game. India, on the other hand, will look to build on their dominant first day and push for a big lead. The contest promises to be a thrilling one, with both teams eager to take control of the match.
