The Indian cricket team showcased their dominance in the second Test against Bangladesh, securing a seven-wicket victory. Despite weather disruptions that canceled several days of play, India triumphed with a session to spare on Friday, completing a 2-0 series sweep. At the start of Day 5, Bangladesh stood at 26/2 but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing four wickets for just three runs. Despite leading by a narrow 94 runs, India easily chased down the target.
On the fifth day, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was asked by ex-Bangladesh player Athar Ali for advice for the Bangladesh batters. Gavaskar humorously replied, “As an Indian, I’ll say get out quickly.”
India’s win at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur reinforced their lead in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. With the victory, India’s point percentage rose to 74.24, while Bangladesh fell to seventh with 34.38%, trailing South Africa and New Zealand in fifth and sixth.
Australia sits in second with a 62.50% point percentage after securing eight wins in 12 matches, followed by Sri Lanka in third and England in fourth with 55.56% and 42.19%, respectively.
Despite significant rain interruptions on Days 2 and 3, India’s determination never wavered. After a tentative first innings, Bangladesh scored 233, anchored by a century from Mominul Haque (107 not out). With limited time to secure a result, India adopted a remarkably aggressive strategy, almost treating the Test like a T20 match. On Day 4, India’s batters unleashed a historic barrage, setting rapid scoring milestones.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (72 from 51 balls) and KL Rahul (68 from 43 balls) led the assault, helping India achieve the fastest team milestones in Test history for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs in just 34.4 overs before declaring at 285/9, taking a 52-run first-innings lead.
In their second innings, Bangladesh faced early pressure, ending Day 4 at 36/2 after Ravichandran Ashwin claimed two wickets in quick succession. The final day promised an exciting conclusion, with India’s bowlers eager to capitalize on their momentum.
Ravindra Jadeja quickly thwarted any potential resurgence from Bangladesh, taking three wickets in three overs. Jasprit Bumrah then entered, similarly dismantling the lower order with impressive fast bowling, ultimately restricting Bangladesh to 146 and setting India a target of just 95 runs.
Despite the small target, India approached their innings with confidence, swiftly completing the chase. Jaiswal scored a brisk half-century off 43 balls before departing for 51. Virat Kohli then took charge, guiding the team to victory alongside Rishabh Pant, who hit the winning boundary.
