In a dominating performance on Day 4 of the 1st Test between India and Bangladesh at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, Ravichandran Ashwin led India to a resounding victory with a magnificent six-wicket haul. India won the match by 280 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The home side outclassed Bangladesh in every department, asserting their superiority throughout the game.
Ashwin’s All-Round Brilliance
Set a seemingly impossible target of 515, Bangladesh were bundled out for 234 in their second innings, largely due to the brilliance of Ashwin, who claimed 6/88 on his home turf. His performance was a testament to his mastery on subcontinental pitches, where he extracted sharp turns and bounces to consistently trouble the Bangladeshi batters.
Ashwin’s contribution with the ball came after a valuable knock of 55 in India’s first innings, further solidifying his reputation as one of India’s premier all-rounders. This performance not only showcased his ability to contribute with both bat and ball but also highlighted his experience and tactical nous, especially when bowling on turning tracks.
With his six wickets in the second innings, Ashwin completed a match tally of seven wickets, having picked up a solitary scalp in Bangladesh’s first innings. His variations in pace, flight, and spin were too much for the visiting side to handle, and his efforts were instrumental in India wrapping up the match with a day to spare.
Bangladesh’s Resistance Falls Short
Najmul Hossain Shanto provided some resistance for Bangladesh, top-scoring with a fighting 82 off 127 balls. His innings included 12 boundaries, and he looked solid at the crease, displaying maturity and composure. However, his valiant effort wasn’t enough to save his team from the inevitable defeat.
Bangladesh began Day 4 at 158/4, hoping to extend their fightback from the previous day when bad light stopped playing. Shanto continued to anchor the innings, but the frequent loss of wickets from the other end hurt the visitors’ chances of mounting any significant resistance. Shadman Islam contributed 35 runs, while Zakir Hasan scored 33, but no other batsman could make a notable impact.
India’s spinners, led by Ashwin, suffocated Bangladesh’s middle and lower-order batters. Ravindra Jadeja played the perfect supporting role, picking up 3/58 in 17 overs, showcasing why he remains one of the world’s premier all-rounders. His unrelenting accuracy and subtle variations complement Ashwin’s brilliance, allowing India to maintain pressure on Bangladesh throughout the day.
India’s Dominance Throughout the Test
India had taken control of the match from the very first innings, where they posted a formidable 376, thanks to key contributions from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Gill’s patient 119 and Pant’s explosive 109 were the backbone of India’s batting efforts. Pant’s century was particularly entertaining, coming off just 97 balls, with his trademark aggressive strokeplay putting the Bangladesh bowlers under immense pressure.
The Indian bowlers, led by Ashwin and Jadeja, then restricted Bangladesh to 149 in their first innings, giving India a massive 227-run lead. Bangladesh’s batters struggled against India’s relentless bowling attack, with Ashwin and Mohammed Shami (2/35) running through their lineup.
India’s second innings declaration came at 287/4 after just 64 overs, with centuries from Gill and Pant. Gill’s unbeaten 119 anchored the innings, while Pant’s thrilling knock provided the fireworks. Their partnership ensured that India set Bangladesh a mammoth target of 515, which proved far beyond the visitors’ reach.
Brief Scores
India: 376 (Rohit Sharma 61, Rishabh Pant 109, Shubman Gill 119*) and 287/4 declared in 64 overs (Shubman Gill 119*, Rishabh Pant 109).
Bangladesh: 149 all out in 43 overs (Liton Das 37, Mominul Haque 26, Ravichandran Ashwin 1/30) and 234 all out in 62.1 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 82, Shadman Islam 35, Zakir Hasan 33; Ravichandran Ashwin 6/88, Ravindra Jadeja 3/58).
Conclusion: A Perfect Start for India
This comprehensive 280-run win sets the tone for India’s home season, with the spinners once again proving their dominance on Indian pitches. With the combination of Ashwin and Jadeja wreaking havoc, India will be a formidable side for any opposition.
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant’s centuries in the second innings were the icing on the cake, giving India a massive lead and allowing them to dictate terms throughout the match. Pant’s return to form, along with Gill’s consistency at the top, bodes well for India’s future, especially as they look ahead to upcoming challenges in the longer format.
With this win, India has laid a solid foundation for the series and will be looking to carry this momentum into the second and final Test. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and come up with a much-improved performance if they are to avoid a series defeat.
The second Test promises to be another thrilling encounter, and all eyes will be on Ashwin, Pant, and Gill as India aim to secure a clean sweep and continue their dominance in home conditions.
