India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Highlights: Ashwin's Ton Powers India to Dominant Victory
The first Test match between India and Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram concluded in a resounding victory for the visitors, with India securing a comprehensive win by an innings and 146 runs. The match was dominated by the Indian bowlers, who showcased their strength and accuracy, and a magnificent century by veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Day 1: A Dominant Display by the Indian Bowlers
The first day saw India's bowlers taking control of the game right from the start. Bangladesh, put in to bat first, struggled against the Indian pace attack, especially the fiery Mohammed Siraj who picked up three early wickets. The Indian spinners, led by Ashwin and Axar Patel, also chipped in with crucial wickets, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 100/6 at the end of the day.
Day 2: Ashwin's Masterclass Begins
The second day saw Bangladesh fight back through a solid partnership between Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim. However, Ashwin and Patel continued to exert pressure, eventually breaking the partnership and bundling out Bangladesh for 150.
This was followed by an impressive knock from KL Rahul, who scored a crucial century as India declared their innings at 258/2.
Day 3: Ashwin's Century and India's Control
On Day 3, the Indian bowlers continued their dominance, putting Bangladesh on the back foot early on. The hosts struggled to cope with the relentless pace and spin, losing quick wickets.
However, the highlight of the day was Ashwin's phenomenal performance. He not only picked up a five-wicket haul, but also registered a crucial century, the first century by a spinner in Test cricket since 2015. Ashwin's 124 runs off 178 balls highlighted his versatility and provided India with a massive lead.
Day 4: A Dominant Finish for India
Day 4 saw Bangladesh crumble further, struggling to get a foothold in the game. The Indian bowlers continued to be relentless, taking quick wickets and ensuring a comfortable victory for India. The visitors eventually bowled out Bangladesh for 106, securing a dominant victory by an innings and 146 runs.
Key Takeaways:
- Ashwin's brilliance: Ashwin's performance was the highlight of the match, showcasing his skill and resilience. His century and five-wicket haul were instrumental in securing India's victory.
- India's bowling dominance: The Indian bowlers, especially Siraj and Ashwin, dominated the match, proving their quality and ability to perform consistently on challenging pitches.
- Bangladesh's struggles: Bangladesh struggled to cope with the Indian bowlers, failing to adapt to the pace and spin attack.
The victory in the first Test puts India in a commanding position in the two-match series. Bangladesh will need to regroup and come up with a new strategy for the second Test if they hope to level the series.
