Bangladesh vs India Test Day 1: Ashwin Century Power's India to Dominance
The first day of the first Test match between Bangladesh and India at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram saw India assert their dominance, thanks to a brilliant century from veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
A Stellar Start
India, electing to bat first, got off to a strong start with openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul putting on a 50-run stand. However, the Bangladesh bowlers fought back, claiming the wickets of both openers before lunch. The visitors were reduced to 87/3 at the break, with the scorecard looking precarious.
Ashwin Takes Charge
It was at this juncture that Ravichandran Ashwin stepped up to the plate, joining hands with Shreyas Iyer. The duo put together a crucial 149-run partnership, Ashwin being the aggressor in the stand. He played with incredible composure and determination, bringing up his century off just 121 balls.
Ashwin's Milestone
The century was a significant milestone for Ashwin, making him the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test match against Bangladesh. His 128-run knock came with 12 fours and a six, showcasing his complete control over the bat.
India's Domination
With Ashwin's century propelling the innings, India declared at 404/6, setting up a challenging target for the hosts. Bangladesh, facing a daunting task, ended the day at 27/0, still a long way from India's total.
Key Highlights
- Ashwin's Century: Ashwin's century was the highlight of the day, showcasing his all-round abilities and his unwavering focus.
- India's Strong First Innings: India's total of 404/6, bolstered by Ashwin's knock, put them in a commanding position.
- Bangladesh's Slow Start: Bangladesh's cautious approach in the final session did not allow them to make any significant progress.
What to Expect on Day 2
Day 2 of the Test match promises to be an exciting affair. Bangladesh will need to counter India's strong start and fight back hard to stay in the game. India, on the other hand, will look to consolidate their lead and put the hosts under further pressure. With the pitch expected to become more conducive to spin, the battle between the Indian spinners and the Bangladesh batsmen will be crucial to watch.
The first day of the Bangladesh vs India Test match was a clear demonstration of India's dominance. Ashwin's century was a testament to his remarkable skills and his ability to rise to the occasion. The next few days will be crucial for Bangladesh to mount a comeback, but for now, India is firmly in the driver's seat.
