In a remarkable turn of events, India clinched a 7-wicket victory against Bangladesh in the 2nd Test of the series at Kanpur, despite losing two full days of play due to rain. India’s win was powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s twin fifties, solid contributions, and a decisive push for victory on the final day, chasing down a modest target of 95 in just over an hour.
Bangladesh’s 1st Innings Struggles
The match began with Bangladesh struggling in their first innings, bowled out for 233. Their innings was largely propped up by Mominul Haque, who scored an unbeaten 107 in an otherwise lackluster performance. India’s bowling unit shone, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 3 for 50. Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin provided crucial breakthroughs to restrict Bangladesh to a modest total.
India’s Response
In response, India declared at 285 for 9, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (72) and KL Rahul (68) leading the charge. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan picked up four wickets each, but India managed to gain a 52-run lead.
The Rain Delay
With only 35 overs bowled in the first three days due to persistent rain, a result seemed unlikely. However, the weather improved on the final two days, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Bangladesh’s Collapse in 2nd Innings
Resuming on the final day at 26 for 2, Bangladesh’s batting collapsed under pressure. Ravindra Jadeja triggered the collapse by dismissing three key players in quick succession. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shadman Islam showed some resistance, but once Jadeja struck, Bangladesh crumbled from 91 for 3 to 146 all out. Bumrah, Jadeja, and Ashwin each took three wickets to wrap up the innings.
India’s Chase and Jaiswal’s Brilliance
Chasing 95, India lost a few quick wickets, but Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive 43-ball fifty ensured that the target was achieved comfortably. Jaiswal, who scored half-centuries in both innings, played with intent, supported by captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Rishabh Pant hit the winning runs, sealing a 7-wicket win for India.
Highest run-rates in a Test in India
The India vs Bangladesh Test in Kanpur, 2024, set a new record for the highest run rate in a Test match played in India, with a run rate of 4.39. This surpassed the previous mark set during the India vs Sri Lanka Test in Chennai, 1982, which saw a run rate of 4.13. Other notable high run-rate Tests include India vs West Indies in Rajkot, 2018 (4.12), and Mumbai, 2013 (4.10), as well as India’s clash against Bangladesh in Kolkata, 2019 (4.01), and their match against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, 2018 (4.00). These matches highlight India’s aggressive batting approach in recent years.
Highest run-rates in a Test in India
4.39 – IND vs BAN, Kanpur, 2024
4.13 – IND vs SL, Chennai, 1982
4.12 – IND vs WI, Rajkot, 2018
4.10 – IND vs WI, Mumbai WS, 2013
4.01 – IND vs BAN, Kolkata, 2019
4.00 – IND vs AFG, Bengaluru, 2018
Jadeja and Bumrah Star with the Ball
Ravindra Jadeja’s three wickets in the second innings played a pivotal role in triggering Bangladesh’s collapse. Jasprit Bumrah also delivered crucial blows, finishing with match figures of 6 for 67, making him India’s go-to bowler in the final stages.
India Lead the WTC Standings
With this win, India extended their lead at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings. The victory is even more impressive considering the rain delays, showcasing India’s determination to push for a result.
India will head into the next series with momentum, while Bangladesh will need to regroup after a tough defeat in a game that saw them unravel under pressure.
This victory continues India’s strong home form as they look to build towards the World Test Championship final.
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