Venue: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Date: September 20, 2024
India: 81/3 at Stumps, leads Bangladesh by 308 runs
The second day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium witnessed intense moments and a shift in momentum, but by the end of play, India stood in a commanding position, leading by 308 runs with 81/3 on the scoreboard in their second innings. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant remain at the crease, keeping Bangladesh under pressure.
India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 2: India’s First Innings Domination
India started the day having already set a significant total of 376 runs in their first innings, thanks to contributions from their top order. Bangladesh struggled to counter India’s bowling attack and were bowled out for a meager 149 runs, handing India a massive 227-run first-innings lead.
India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 2: Bangladesh’s Struggle in Their First Innings
Bangladesh resumed their innings at 126/8 in the afternoon, with Mehidy Hasan and Nahid Rana fighting a losing battle. Siraj and Bumrah were relentless, with Bumrah removing Nahid with a perfect yorker, ending Bangladesh’s innings at 149. Bumrah’s incredible performance saw him claim four wickets, and he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the sixth Indian pacer to claim 400 international wickets.
India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 2: India Declines Follow-On, Chooses to Bat Again
Despite their imposing lead, India chose not to enforce the follow-on and instead decided to bat again. This strategy aimed to bat Bangladesh out of the game entirely, setting a massive target and allowing their bowlers some rest before having to bowl again.
India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 2: India’s Second Innings – Mixed Start
India’s second innings began with openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, looking to extend the lead further. However, Rohit’s poor form continued as he fell cheaply for 7 runs, edging a delivery from Taskin Ahmed to the third slip. Jaiswal followed soon after, caught behind off Nahid Rana for 13, leaving India at 28/2.
Virat Kohli, who came in at No. 4, showed intent with some fluent strokes, including a boundary through mid-wicket. But just as he was settling in, he fell victim to a sharp delivery from Mehidy Hasan, trapped LBW for 17. This left India at a precarious 67/3, with Bangladesh sensing an opportunity to restrict India’s lead.
India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 2: Pant and Gill Steady the Ship
With the fall of Kohli, Rishabh Pant joined Shubman Gill at the crease. Pant began cautiously but soon unleashed his aggressive side, sweeping Mehidy Hasan for a four and then dispatching him for a six in the same over. Gill, on the other hand, played a composed knock, driving confidently and sweeping the spinners with authority.
As the floodlights came on, the final overs of the day saw the scoring rate slow down, with both batters ensuring they saw off the day without further damage. Pant’s aggressive approach balanced well with Gill’s stability, and the duo took India to 81/3 at stumps.
India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 2: Key Moments
- Bumrah’s 400th International Wicket: Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant spell saw him claim his 400th international wicket, a landmark moment in his illustrious career. He ended with figures of 4/56, playing a crucial role in restricting Bangladesh to 149.
- Taskin’s Early Strikes: Bangladesh had a glimmer of hope when Taskin Ahmed struck early in India’s second innings, removing Rohit Sharma cheaply.
- Pant’s Counter-Attack: Rishabh Pant’s quickfire approach towards the end of the day, including a six off Mehidy Hasan, provided India with much-needed momentum before stumps.
India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 2: Bangladesh’s Bowling Performance
Despite their valiant efforts, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan, found it difficult to contain India’s lead. Mehidy claimed the prized wicket of Virat Kohli, while Taskin’s early dismissal of Rohit Sharma gave Bangladesh brief hope. However, the Indian lead kept mounting, leaving Bangladesh with a mountain to climb.
India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 2: What to Expect on Day 3
With India already leading by 308 runs and seven wickets in hand, the third day promises to be crucial for both teams. India will look to extend their lead beyond Bangladesh’s reach, giving their bowlers ample time to bowl out the opposition again. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need early wickets to keep India’s lead in check and give their batters a fighting chance in the fourth innings.
Stay tuned for more updates from the thrilling first Test between India and Bangladesh as Day 3 unfolds at Chennai’s iconic Chepauk Stadium.
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