India Complete Series Sweep with Dominant Win Over Bangladesh

India’s Dominance Continues with Victory Over Bangladesh in Kanpur Test

India completed a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second Test at Kanpur, sealing a 2-0 series win. On a rain-affected final day, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja took centre stage, sharing nine wickets between them to bowl Bangladesh out for 146, leaving India with a target of 95. The win not only secured the series but also extended India’s dominance at home, marking their 18th consecutive home Test series victory.

India’s Bowlers Set the Stage for Victory

The fifth day in Kanpur dawned with India in a strong position, needing to finish off Bangladesh’s batting line-up after the visitors resumed their second innings at 122-5. With just 24 runs added to their overnight score, Bangladesh folded for 146. Bumrah, Ashwin, and Jadeja shared the spoils, each claiming three wickets, dismantling any hope Bangladesh had of setting a challenging target.

Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 3-17, once again demonstrated his class in the longest format, consistently troubling the batsmen with his pace and accuracy. Ashwin’s off-spin (3-50) and Jadeja’s left-arm spin (3-34) provided perfect support, ensuring Bangladesh’s resistance was short-lived.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Leads India’s Chase

Needing just 95 to win, India’s openers began confidently despite the early loss of KL Rahul for 23. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young left-hander, followed up his first-innings 72 with a measured 51, his second half-century of the match, leading India’s response. Jaiswal’s calm and composed innings ensured that there were no jitters in the chase.

Though Cheteshwar Pujara fell for 11 and Shubman Gill managed just 8, Jaiswal’s consistency at the top ensured India crossed the line with ease. The 21-year-old has been a revelation since his debut, and his performances in this series will undoubtedly cement his place as a key part of India’s Test setup moving forward.

India’s Record-Breaking Fourth Day

Much of the groundwork for India’s victory was laid on day four, where they produced a record-breaking display with the bat. Despite losing nearly two and a half days to rain, India batted with remarkable intent and aggression, becoming the fastest team to reach 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 in Test cricket. Their approach reflected a modern, fearless mindset that prioritised quick runs, setting up the victory push in the final innings.

Photo: IMAGO

With Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul contributing valuable half-centuries, India declared their first innings at 285-9, giving themselves a strong lead. The Indian batting unit, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, showed that even in challenging conditions, they are capable of adapting and asserting their dominance.

Bangladesh’s Struggles Continue

For Bangladesh, this series represented yet another difficult tour on foreign soil. Mominul Haque was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring an unbeaten 107 in the first innings and providing some resistance in an otherwise disappointing batting display. Shadman Islam’s second-innings half-century offered some hope, but it was not enough to prevent the inevitable.

Their bowling, too, lacked the bite needed to challenge India’s strong batting line-up. While the spinners occasionally troubled the Indian batsmen, Bangladesh’s pace attack was largely ineffective throughout the series.

India Strengthen World Test Championship Lead

With this victory, India extended their lead at the top of the World Test Championship standings, now eight points clear of Australia. The series win is a strong statement ahead of upcoming challenges, particularly with a crucial tour of Australia on the horizon.

The team’s balance of experienced players like Bumrah, Ashwin, and Jadeja, combined with emerging talents like Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, bodes well for India’s prospects in the future. Under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, India will look to maintain their form as they build towards the next phase of the World Test Championship cycle.

Attention Shifts to T20 Series

As the dust settles on the Test series, India and Bangladesh will now turn their attention to the upcoming three-match T20 series, beginning in Gwalior on Sunday. With India’s confidence high and Bangladesh looking to regroup, the T20 series promises to provide a fresh set of challenges for both sides.

For India, the T20 format offers an opportunity to experiment with new combinations and provide game time to fringe players. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back and showcase their capabilities in the shorter format.

Related Stories

Comments

Share article