Bangladesh vs India: Ashwin's Century Highlights Day 1
The first day of the first Test match between Bangladesh and India at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram was a day for the spinners, especially Ravichandran Ashwin, who stole the show with a brilliant century.
A Spin-Dominated Affair
The pitch at Chattogram, known for its slow and low bounce, lived up to its reputation. Both teams decided to field spinners, and the Indian spinners, in particular, made the most of the conditions. Kuldeep Yadav dismissed both openers, Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, with deliveries that spun sharply and deceived the batsmen. Axar Patel also chipped in with a wicket, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 50/3.
Ashwin's Masterclass
However, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly Ashwin's century. He came in to bat at number eight and showcased his batting prowess, playing with an aggressive and calculated approach. He reached his century off just 120 balls, becoming only the second Indian bowler to achieve this feat in Test cricket, after Harbhajan Singh.
Ashwin's innings were a treat to watch:
- He showed great temperament and concentration, weathering the early storm from the Bangladeshi bowlers.
- He hit the ball with power and precision, regularly finding the boundary.
- He played with a calm and collected demeanor, even when facing pressure from the Bangladeshi bowlers.
- He was a constant source of runs for India, helping to build a formidable total.
Bangladesh's Fightback
Despite Ashwin's heroics, Bangladesh fought back well in the second half of the day. Their spinners, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, kept the Indian batsmen under pressure. Miraz, in particular, was a constant threat, dismissing both Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant in quick succession.
Day 1 Ends in India's Favor
At the end of day one, India were 258/4, with Ashwin unbeaten on 123. While Bangladesh showed some fight, India were clearly in control of the match. The Indian bowlers, especially Ashwin, are expected to continue their dominance on Day 2.
Here are some key takeaways from Day 1:
- Ashwin's century was the game-changer. He single-handedly took control of the match and put India in a commanding position.
- Bangladesh's spinners showed promise, especially Miraz. They will need to continue bowling with control and accuracy on Day 2 to keep India in check.
- The pitch is likely to become more difficult for batting as the match progresses. This could work in favor of the spinners, who will be key to the outcome of the match.
Day 2 promises to be an exciting contest, with India looking to consolidate their position and Bangladesh aiming for a comeback. Will Ashwin continue his dominance? Can Bangladesh make a strong fightback? Only time will tell!
