India vs Bangladesh: Day 1 Test Highlights - A Day of Dominance for the Hosts
The first day of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chattogram was a tale of two halves, with India dominating the proceedings after a shaky start. The hosts, led by a sensational century from Shubman Gill and crucial contributions from Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli, ended the day at a commanding 278/6. Bangladesh, on the other hand, found themselves on the back foot from the outset, struggling to contain the Indian batting onslaught.
A shaky start for India
India's innings began with a scare as KL Rahul, who had been battling a finger injury, was dismissed early by Ebadot Hossain for just 2 runs. Rohit Sharma, who had been in phenomenal form in the recent ODI series, also fell cheaply to Taijul Islam for 14 runs, leaving India reeling at 26/2.
Gill shines with a magnificent century
However, the partnership between Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara changed the tide of the match. The two batsmen put together a crucial 113-run stand, laying the foundation for India's impressive total. Gill, in particular, was in imperious form, scoring a brilliant century (110 runs off 152 balls) that was studded with 11 boundaries and a six. This was Gill’s second century in Test cricket and his first in overseas conditions.
Kohli and Pujara make vital contributions
After Gill's departure, Virat Kohli and Pujara steadied the ship with a 72-run partnership. Kohli, who had a disappointing series in the recent ODI matches, looked back to his best, hitting 52 runs off 67 balls. Pujara, known for his resilience and patience, played the anchor role perfectly, scoring a crucial 55 runs off 114 balls.
Bangladesh struggle to contain India
Bangladesh, on the other hand, struggled to make any significant inroads into the Indian batting line-up. Their bowlers lacked consistency and were often punished by the Indian batsmen. While Ebadot Hossain (2/66) and Taijul Islam (2/87) managed to pick up two wickets each, they were unable to create the kind of pressure that would have allowed them to gain a foothold in the match.
A day of missed opportunities for Bangladesh
Bangladesh, despite their early wickets, missed several opportunities to further damage the Indian innings. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, in particular, dropped two catches - one of Virat Kohli and another of Shreyas Iyer. These missed chances proved costly for the Tigers, allowing India to gain a significant advantage.
Day 1 concludes with India in command
With the day coming to an end, India was in a commanding position at 278/6, with a lead of 151 runs. R Ashwin (12*) and Shreyas Iyer (16*) will be looking to continue their momentum on Day 2 and build a formidable first innings total. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to find a way to turn things around quickly and prevent India from further dominating the match.
The match will be a crucial encounter for both teams as Bangladesh seeks to level the two-Test series after losing the first Test. India, on the other hand, will be looking to consolidate their position and secure a series win. The next day's play promises to be exciting, with both teams looking to make their mark on the match.
Keywords: India vs Bangladesh, Test match, Day 1 Highlights, Shubman Gill century, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Bangladesh struggle, Missed opportunities, India in command.
