Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 19 (ANI): At the conclusion of the first day of the initial Test match between India and Bangladesh, Bangladesh’s pace bowler Hasan Mahmud expressed his strategy to counter India’s strong batting lineup. Leading the Bangladesh bowling attack in Chennai, Mahmud was instrumental, claiming four crucial wickets while conceding just 58 runs at an economy rate of 3.20.

During the post-day press conference, Mahmud emphasized the importance of restricting India to a total below 400 runs. “I believe it will be advantageous for us if we manage to get them all out before they reach 400. The pitch has become much more favorable for batting, and the conditions are now batting-friendly. We’re strategizing on how to apply pressure back on India. Hopefully, we can achieve that,” Mahmud stated.

Mahmud also reflected on the performance of their bowling unit, suggesting that they could have exhibited greater discipline. “We should have been more disciplined in our bowling approach. Our focus is on hitting the right channels and putting the opposition under pressure. Although India currently holds the momentum, we are confident that with persistent effort, we can bowl them out for under 400,” he added.

Looking ahead to the second day, Mahmud highlighted the significance of early breakthroughs to turn the game in Bangladesh’s favor. “Securing early wickets will be crucial for us to stage a comeback. Despite the flat nature of the pitch, it is possible to contain the batters with precise bowling,” he further elaborated.

Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss in Chennai set the tone for an intense contest. India’s top-order faced an early collapse, finding themselves at a precarious 34/3. However, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56 off 118 balls with nine boundaries) and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant (39 off 52 balls with six boundaries) forged a vital 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing India’s innings. Despite this effort, India found themselves struggling again at 144/6. Nevertheless, a remarkable unbeaten 195-run partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin (century scorer) and Ravindra Jadeja (86* off 117 balls with ten boundaries and two sixes) propelled India to a commanding position of 339/6 by the end of the day.

Mahmud’s outstanding performance included key dismissals of Indian captain Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6), significantly impacting India’s top-order.

The teams’ playing XI for this crucial Test are as follows:
Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (Wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana.
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (Wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.

With both teams vying for dominance in this two-match Test series, the unfolding strategies and performances will be critical in determining the outcome of this fiercely contested game.