Bangladesh vs India 1st Test Day 1: Ashwin's Century Steals the Show
The first day of the first Test between Bangladesh and India in Dhaka was a day of contrasting narratives. While the hosts were looking to make a statement in front of their home crowd, it was veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who stole the show with a brilliant century.
Bangladesh's Solid Start
Bangladesh began the match on a positive note, with openers Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto putting on a 67-run partnership for the first wicket. Shanto, in particular, looked in good form, scoring a fluent 42 before falling to Umesh Yadav.
Ashwin's Dominance
However, the introduction of Ashwin into the attack proved to be a game-changer. The veteran spinner quickly took control, dismissing both Mominul Haque and Liton Das in quick succession.
But it was Ashwin's own batting that truly captivated the audience. Coming in at number eight, he unleashed a barrage of shots, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes in his unbeaten 124. This century was Ashwin's first in Test cricket since 2017, and it was a testament to his enduring class and remarkable adaptability.
India's Stuttering Finish
Despite Ashwin's heroics, India's day wasn't without its hiccups. The Indian batting line-up faltered in the evening session, losing wickets at regular intervals. KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara were both dismissed cheaply, while Virat Kohli fell to a brilliant catch by Shoriful Islam.
At stumps, India were 258/4, with Ashwin and Shreyas Iyer unbeaten on 124 and 29 respectively.
Day 1 Takeaways:
- Ashwin's century: The highlight of the day, proving his ability to excel in all facets of the game.
- Bangladesh's bowling: While the team failed to capitalize on early breakthroughs, they showed signs of promise.
- India's middle order: The Indian middle order will need to show more resilience and consistency in the coming days.
The first day of the Test set the stage for an exciting encounter. While Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back in the second innings, India will be aiming to build on Ashwin's heroics and establish a strong lead.
