India’s Dominant Comeback on Day Four
Day four of the Test was a turning point in the match, with India delivering a stellar all-round performance. Bangladesh’s first innings started with high hopes but quickly unraveled as India's bowlers tightened their grip. By the morning session, Bangladesh had lost three crucial wickets, and by the second session, six wickets were down. India's fast and accurate bowling dismantled Bangladesh's lower order, as they crumbled from 233 to all out in quick succession.
Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were the key figures, maintaining relentless pressure. Ashwin's spin bowling continued to pose problems for Bangladesh, with him picking up key wickets. Meanwhile, India's fielding was exceptional, with key contributions from Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Siraj preventing Bangladesh from gaining any momentum. By lunch, Bangladesh had no answer to India's pace and spin combination.
India’s Explosive Batting Response
In response to Bangladesh's struggles, India came out with an aggressive batting strategy. The tone was set from the very first ball, with Rohit Sharma smashing a six, igniting a flurry of boundaries. Within three overs, Sharma and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had already raced to 50 runs, marking one of the fastest starts in Test cricket history. The pair was relentless, reaching the 100-run milestone in just over 10 overs, breaking another record for the fastest 100 in a Test innings.
Rohit Sharma eventually fell, but Jaiswal continued his fantastic form, playing an impressive knock of 72 off 51 balls. India's middle-order capitalized on the blistering start, with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul stepping up in style. Their partnership of 87 runs from 59 balls was instrumental in keeping India ahead in the game. Rahul was especially aggressive, scoring 68 off 43 deliveries, reminding critics of his ability to dominate bowling attacks.
Even with quick wickets falling later in the innings, India's lower order, led by Akash Deep’s two massive sixes, maintained the pressure. Despite losing wickets, India declared their innings at 285-9, with a remarkable run rate of 8.22. Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, took four wickets each, but the damage was already done as India’s aggressive approach yielded significant rewards.
Bangladesh’s Struggles and India’s Pursuit of Victory
As Bangladesh took to the field for their second innings, they were already under enormous pressure. Ravichandran Ashwin once again took center stage, dismissing opener Zakir Hasan with a well-executed LBW. The pressure mounted when night-watchman Hasan Mahmud also fell to Ashwin, leaving Bangladesh teetering at 26-2 at stumps on day four.
The situation is precarious for Bangladesh. Their first-innings centurion, Mominul Haque, and opener Shadman Islam remain at the crease, but they will need to bat with patience and resilience to withstand India’s bowling attack. With the likes of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Litton Das in the lineup, Bangladesh does possess the depth to potentially bat out the final day. However, with India needing only eight more wickets to secure a win, the task for Bangladesh appears daunting.
Key Players for India and Bangladesh
India's bowlers will be the focus heading into the final day, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah expected to lead the attack. Ashwin has already shown his class, taking two crucial wickets late on day four. Bumrah’s pace and accuracy will also play a pivotal role in dismantling Bangladesh's batting lineup. India's spinners, particularly Ashwin, have historically thrived in the last days of Tests on Indian soil, making it likely that they will target quick wickets early on day five.
For Bangladesh, their hopes rest on Mominul Haque, who has already impressed with a century in the first innings. Alongside him, Shadman Islam will need to provide solid support at the top of the order. Bangladesh's middle order, including experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, will have to bat for extended periods if they hope to avoid defeat. However, with little margin for error, the odds favor India as the final day looms.
A Nail-Biting Finish Awaits
India’s remarkable turnaround on day four has set up what could be a thrilling final day in Kanpur. With just 26 runs separating the two teams, India will be confident of their chances to secure a victory. For Bangladesh, survival will be the key as they attempt to bat out the day and salvage a draw. As the cricketing world watches on, the final day promises excitement, with both teams having everything to play for.
indcnetwork 
