India vs Bangladesh Highlights: Day 1, Ashwin's Century Dominates
The first day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram witnessed a captivating display of batting prowess, particularly from the Indian veteran, Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, known for his masterful spin bowling, surprised everyone with a magnificent century, setting the stage for a compelling contest.
Ashwin's Century: A Masterclass in Batting
The day began with Bangladesh winning the toss and electing to bowl first. India got off to a cautious start, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill sharing a 52-run opening stand. However, the introduction of spin brought about a collapse, with both openers falling in quick succession.
Enter Ashwin, the unlikely hero. He came in at number six and immediately displayed his batting prowess, showcasing an array of shots, particularly against the spin. He took charge, forming crucial partnerships with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, before anchoring the innings towards the end. Ashwin's century, a testament to his all-round skills, was the backbone of India's strong first-day total of 278/6.
Bangladesh's Struggles Against Spin
Bangladesh's bowlers, despite a few initial breakthroughs, struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, particularly against the spinners. Ashwin and Axar Patel exploited the conditions brilliantly, keeping the Bangladesh batsmen on their toes throughout the day.
Late Day Collapse for Bangladesh
With the ball in hand, India started off well with the new ball. Bangladesh, however, showed resilience, reaching a respectable 44/0 at one point. However, a late-day collapse saw them lose wickets in quick succession, finishing the day at 82/4.
Key Highlights of the Day
- Ashwin's Century: Ravichandran Ashwin smashed his seventh Test century, becoming the third Indian to score a century in both innings of a Test match. This was a testament to his phenomenal all-round skills.
- Shreyas Iyer's Crucial Knock: Shreyas Iyer provided valuable support to Ashwin, scoring a half-century and forming a crucial partnership that helped India gain momentum.
- Spin's Dominance: Spin was the key factor on the first day, with Ashwin and Axar Patel taking control of the game for India, while Bangladesh's spinners struggled to contain the Indian batting line-up.
- Bangladesh's Late Day Collapse: Bangladesh's late-day collapse will be a concern for them, as they will need to overcome this setback on the second day.
What to Expect on Day 2
The second day promises to be just as exciting as the first. India will be looking to extend their lead, while Bangladesh will need to fight back and salvage their innings. The battle between spin and bat will continue to be crucial, and both sides will be hoping to gain an upper hand in this crucial encounter.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the first Test between India and Bangladesh!
