2nd Test
Day-4 Evening Session Highlights:
India has sought to turn the rain-affected Kanpur match into a competitive contest
At The Stumps of Day-4:
Bangladesh scored 233 (1st Innings) and 26/2 (2nd Innings), where as India scored 285/9 decl. (1st Innings).
So, finally Bangladesh trail by 26 runs.
India’s sheer intent and aggressive execution kept them in control during an action-packed fourth day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur.
After losing 55 overs on the first day and two full days to rain, the match seemed destined for a dull draw.
While a stalemate remains possible, India came out with a bold approach on the penultimate day, altering the course of the game.
KL Rahul (68 off 43 balls) spearheaded the late fireworks for the hosts as they aimed to build a lead quickly.
The Karnataka batter was at his dynamic best, dismantling a stunned Bangladesh bowling attack.
Rahul’s 87-run partnership with Virat Kohli (47 off 35) allowed India’s middle order to fully capitalize on the solid platform laid by the top three.
Both Rahul and Kohli, usually known for their traditional style, played with aggressive intent.
The tone was initially set by Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose blistering 72 off 51 balls and fiery opening stand with Rohit Sharma set India on an attacking course.
Though Rohit’s stay at the crease was brief, his 11-ball 23, featuring three sixes, made it clear that India were pushing for a decisive result.
Shubman Gill (39 off 37) also contributed quick runs, though Rishabh Pant’s batting promotion didn’t yield much success.
India eventually declared after the fall of their ninth wicket, scoring 285 in just under 35 overs at an astonishing run rate of 8.22 per over.
Even by the standards of England’s ‘Bazball,’ this aggressive batting was exceptional, leaving Bangladesh shell-shocked.
Mehidy Hasan (4-41) and Shakib Al Hasan (4-78) claimed wickets, but India’s batters were in T20 mode.
Bangladesh faced a tricky period before stumps and lost two key wickets, both to Ravichandran Ashwin.
Zakir Hasan fell to a classic off-spinner’s delivery, while nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud played an ill-advised shot that cost him his wicket.
India ended the day with momentum firmly on their side.
The day had started well for Bangladesh, despite the loss of three crucial wickets in the morning session.
Mominul Haque (107*) anchored his team with a solid century, but found little support, especially from the tail, as Bangladesh collapsed from 224-6 to 233 all out.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah (3-50) led the charge with strong support from the other bowlers.
It was also a milestone day for Ravindra Jadeja, who reached 300 Test wickets, becoming part of the elite group of players with 3,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket.
The day’s stats were remarkable: 437 runs scored in 85 overs, with 18 wickets falling.
Bangladesh, still trailing by 26 with eight wickets in hand, will hope to hold on for a draw, though the final day could still deliver a surprise.
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