Chennai, Sep 21 (UNI) In a commanding display, India set an imposing target of 515 runs for Bangladesh in the first cricket test, showcasing their dominance through electrifying centuries from Shubman Gill (119 not out) and left-hander Rishab Pant (109). At the close of the third day, Bangladesh was struggling at 158 for four in 37.2 overs, with off-spinner R. Ashwin taking three pivotal wickets to halt their progress.

The day’s play was prematurely ended with 9.4 overs remaining due to poor lighting conditions, leaving Bangladesh with a daunting task of needing 357 more runs over the next two days to secure an improbable victory.

The pitch, which had initially provided significant assistance to bowlers, eased out, offering little help to fast bowlers. This allowed Bangladesh to put up a stronger fight in their second innings. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with an unbeaten 51, displaying positive intent despite Ashwin’s three crucial strikes. With two full days still in hand, the visitors face an arduous challenge ahead.

The first two days saw a flurry of wickets, with 23 falling in total—17 of those on the second day alone. However, only five wickets fell on the third day, four of which were in the final session, indicating that the pitch had indeed become more conducive to batting.

Resuming their innings at 81 for three, India piled up a formidable 287 for four, thanks to Gill’s 170-ball knock studded with ten fours and four sixes, and Pant’s aggressive 128-ball innings featuring thirteen fours and four sixes. Their partnership of 167 runs for the fourth wicket in just 36.1 overs effectively put the match out of Bangladesh’s reach. K.L. Rahul also contributed a quick-fire 22 off 19 balls (four boundaries) before India declared their innings.

Bangladesh’s openers Zakir Hasan (33 off 47 balls, including five fours and one six) and Shadman Islam (35 off 68 balls, with three fours) began positively, putting up a defiant stand of 62 runs for the first wicket in just 16.2 overs. They scored briskly, with Zakir leading the charge and Shadman anchoring the innings. However, Zakir fell against the run of play to pacer Jasprit Bumrah, brilliantly caught by Yashaswi Jaiswal at gully.

Ashwin then came into action, dismissing Shadman with a low catch taken by Gill at short midwicket. He further dented Bangladesh’s hopes by clean bowling Mominul Haque (13 runs, three boundaries) and removing an adventurous Mushfiqur Rahim (13 runs off 11 balls, including one six and one four). This saw Bangladesh slide from a promising 86 for one to a precarious 146 for four.

Nevertheless, Shanto provided solid resistance at one end, taking on both Ashwin and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja with effective footwork and sweeping shots to bring up his half-century. Experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was giving him company at five not out when bad light stopped play.

As the match progresses into its final stages, all eyes will be on whether Bangladesh can mount a remarkable comeback or if India’s bowlers will seal their dominance with a comprehensive victory.