Ashwin, Jadeja Save India Before Pacers Leave Bangladesh in Tatters
In a gripping contest in Mirpur, India found themselves in dire straits before Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s resilience with the bat lifted them from 144 for 6 to a commanding 375, setting the stage for Bangladesh’s struggle against India’s pace attack. The visitors’ recovery, led by the experienced spin duo turned middle-order saviors, set the tone for a challenging day for the hosts.
India’s innings seemed to be crumbling after a flurry of wickets saw them reeling at 144 for 6. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed, had capitalized on the early breakthroughs, but they were unable to contain Ashwin and Jadeja.
The pair displayed exceptional grit and patience, building a crucial partnership that steadied the ship for India. Ashwin’s smart shot selection and Jadeja’s tenacity at the crease pushed India towards a competitive total, giving the bowlers something substantial to defend.
When it was Bangladesh’s turn to bat, India’s pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, exploited the conditions masterfully, putting the hosts on the back foot early. Shadman Islam was the first to fall, bowled by Bumrah for just 2, followed by Zakir Hasan who managed only 3 before falling to Akash Deep.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto showed some resistance, scoring 20 off 30 balls, but his dismissal caught by Virat Kohli off Siraj was a massive blow to Bangladesh’s hopes.
Akash Deep struck again immediately after, dismissing Mominul Haque for a golden duck, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 22 for 3. Mushfiqur Rahim tried to counterattack but was undone by Bumrah, leaving Bangladesh at 40 for 5. With only Shakib Al Hasan (12*) and Litton Das (14*) at the crease, the hosts were struggling at 64 for 5 after just 17.4 overs.
Bangladesh’s inability to handle India’s pace attack highlighted their struggles against quality seam bowling. Bumrah’s sharp movement and accuracy, Siraj’s disciplined line and length, and Akash Deep’s fiery pace put the top order under constant pressure. With India’s spin maestros Ashwin and Jadeja yet to make a significant impact with the ball, the task ahead for Bangladesh seems daunting.
India’s resurgence, spearheaded by Ashwin and Jadeja’s batting heroics, has put them in the driver’s seat. As Bangladesh battles to avoid a follow-on, they face an uphill battle with India’s formidable spin attack still to come. For now, the match’s narrative belongs to India’s bowlers, who have left Bangladesh teetering, searching for answers against a relentless Indian attack.
