India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 1 Highlights: IND 339/6 Ashwin Stars
The first day of the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram was a captivating affair, dominated by India's batting prowess and the brilliance of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
A Solid Start for India
India, opting to bat first, got off to a steady start with openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul adding a crucial 50-run partnership. While Rahul fell for 22, Rohit continued to anchor the innings, reaching a half-century before eventually departing for 61.
Pujara and Kohli Steady the Ship
Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli then consolidated India's position, putting together a crucial 79-run partnership. Pujara, in particular, displayed his trademark resilience, scoring a well-crafted 90 runs before falling to a brilliant delivery from Taijul Islam. Kohli, meanwhile, reached his 28th Test century, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Ashwin's Masterclass
The day, however, belonged to Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran off-spinner came into the game with a point to prove and delivered a masterful performance. He picked up a crucial wicket of Shreyas Iyer, dismissing the batter with a classic off-break.
Ashwin then went on to claim two more wickets, taking out both Bangladesh openers - Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto - in quick succession. His figures of 3/40 at the end of the day showcased his ability to control the game, even under pressure.
India End the Day Strong
Despite losing Kohli in the penultimate over, India managed to reach a strong score of 339/6 at the end of day one. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were unbeaten at the crease, poised to continue India's dominance on day two.
Key Takeaways
- **India's batting depth: ** India showcased their strength in depth, with a number of batsmen contributing to the total.
- **Ashwin's resurgence: ** Ashwin's performance serves as a reminder of his class and ability to perform in crucial moments.
- **Bangladesh's fight: ** While Bangladesh failed to make a strong start, there were moments of resistance from Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam.
What to expect on day two:
- India will aim to build on their strong start and put Bangladesh under further pressure.
- Bangladesh will need to find a way to take wickets early and restrict India's momentum.
- The performance of the Bangladesh bowlers will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
The first day of the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test has set the stage for an exciting contest. With India holding a strong advantage, it will be interesting to see how Bangladesh respond in the days to come.
