India batters go all guns blazing, Kanpur test set for an exciting finish

KANPUR: The India-Bangladesh Test series is heading for an exciting finish with the final match going down to the wire. With just a day's play remaining, the output is likely to be either a draw or an Indian victory.

Monday turned out to be an entertaining affair for cricket fans all over the world. Despite losing more than two days of play due to rain and a wet outfield, India showed intent and tried to push for the result.

In 85 overs that were bowled in the entire day, a total of 437 runs were scored, and 18 wickets were scythed, summing up the action-packed play that was on offer in Kanpur.

Bangladesh resumed batting on Day 4 but were bowled out for 233 runs. Mominul Haque's century (107) was the standout performance. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 31 runs. However, other batters including Mushfiqur Rahim (11), Liton Das (13) and Shakib Al Hasan (9) disappointed with the bat. Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets for India while Mohammad Siraj, Ashwin and Akash Deep took two wickets each and Jadeja took one wicket.

India began their first innings with a T20-style batting approach. Captain Rohit Sharma (23 off 11 balls) made the stand clear statement by hitting two consecutive sixes against Khaled Ahmed in the very second over of the innings. India crossed the 100-run mark in just 10.1 overs. India scored 285 runs in just 34.4 overs, losing nine wickets. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 72 off 51 balls, and KL Rahul scored 68 off 43 balls, both achieving half-centuries. Virat Kohli contributed 47 runs off 35 balls.

India declared their innings after gaining a 52-run lead. Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took four wickets each, while Hasan Mahmud claimed one for Bangladesh. Trailing by 52 runs, Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam stepped up at the crease, looking to see off the day with minimum damage. However, veteran spinner R Ashwin dashed the visitors' plans by taking the wickets of Zakir Hasan (10) and nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud. The visitors ended the day's play at 26/2. R Ashwin dismissed Zakir Hasan (10) and Hasan Mahmud. Currently, Shadman Islam (7) and Mominul Haque (0*) are in the crease.