India’s aggressive strategy in Kanpur paid off as they secured a crucial victory over Bangladesh, further solidifying their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. With this win, India now boasts an impressive point percentage of 74.24, keeping them in the race for a spot in the WTC Final. On the other hand, Bangladesh, with a point percentage of 34.38, has dropped to seventh position, trailing behind South Africa and New Zealand.
The Test match was heavily impacted by rain, making Bangladesh’s first innings a drawn-out affair over four days. Day 1 was affected by rain, while Days 2 and 3 were completely washed out due to inclement weather and a wet pitch. When play finally resumed, Bangladesh managed to post a total of 233, thanks to a resilient knock by skipper Mominul Haque, who scored a crucial 107 runs.
Updated WTC table
With limited time left in the match, India adopted an ultra-attacking approach. They shattered records for the fastest Test team 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250, scoring at a rapid pace. Yashasvi Jaiswal (72 off 51 balls) and KL Rahul (68 off 43 balls) were instrumental in India’s brisk scoring, as they added 52 runs to Bangladesh’s total in just 34.4 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma then declared the innings, setting the stage for India’s bowlers to push for a win.
Ravichandran Ashwin made an immediate impact, claiming two wickets on the fourth evening and putting India in contention for a dramatic finish. On the final day, Ashwin (3/50) struck early, but Bangladesh showed some fight through Shadman Islam (50) and Najmul Hossain Shanto. However, Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliant spell (3/34) turned the game around, as he grabbed three wickets in his first three overs, breaking the back of Bangladesh’s resistance.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) wrapped up the tail quickly, bowling out Bangladesh for 146. Chasing a modest target of 95, India lost three wickets but comfortably secured a seven-wicket victory, maintaining their dominance in the WTC.
India’s final qualification scenario
With this victory, India’s hopes for a third consecutive WTC Final appearance remain strong. The Men in Blue need just three wins from their remaining eight matches to secure their spot in the final. They are set to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series at home, followed by a five-match away series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
For now, Rohit Sharma’s team is in prime position to continue their winning run and stay on course for another shot at WTC glory.
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