Jasprit Bumrah's outstanding bowling performance helped India dismiss Bangladesh for 233, despite a valiant unbeaten century from Mominul Haque, during the first innings of the second Test at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Bumrah claimed three crucial wickets, while Mohammed Siraj and the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also played pivotal roles in dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
The fourth day began with Bangladesh resuming their innings at 107/3 after two rain-hit days that had heavily restricted play. Mominul Haque, who started the day on 40*, and Mushfiqur Rahim, who was unbeaten on 6*, had the daunting task of building a competitive total. However, Bumrah struck early in the morning session, clean bowling Rahim for 11, giving India the early breakthrough they needed.
Bangladesh's middle order struggled against Bumrah and Siraj's disciplined pace attack. Litton Das arrived with attacking intent, smashing three boundaries off Bumrah, but his aggressive approach was short-lived. A brilliant one-handed catch by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma at mid-off saw Litton dismissed for 13, reducing Bangladesh to 148/5.
Despite losing partners at the other end, Mominul remained solid, holding the innings together with calculated strokes and determined defense. He brought up his half-century off 110 balls with nine boundaries. After Litton’s departure, Shakib Al Hasan looked to rebuild the innings but was deceived by the flight of an Ashwin delivery, caught one-handed by Siraj at mid-off for 12. Bangladesh was left reeling at 170/6.
Mominul continued to counter the Indian attack, displaying resilience against both the pace of Bumrah and Siraj, as well as the spin of Ashwin and Jadeja. He eventually reached his 13th Test century off 172 balls, laced with 16 boundaries and a six, offering the only real resistance in Bangladesh’s innings.
Bumrah returned after lunch to clean up the lower order, removing Mehidy Hasan Miraz (20) and Taijul Islam (5) in quick succession. Mohammed Siraj also contributed with two wickets on either side of the lunch break, further denting Bangladesh's chances of posting a substantial total. Spinners Ashwin and Jadeja picked up a wicket each to ensure that Bangladesh's tail did not wag for too long.
Earlier in the match, rain had played spoilsport on both Day 2 and Day 3, washing out entire sessions and leaving Bangladesh at 107/3 by the end of Day 1. Pacer Akash Deep had made an impressive start, claiming two wickets on the rain-affected opening day, removing Zakir Hasan for a duck and Shadman Islam for 24 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 29/2. A brief partnership of 51 runs between Mominul and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto followed, but Ashwin broke the stand by trapping Shanto lbw for 31.
As the game progressed on Day 4, India maintained their dominance, with Bumrah leading the charge to wrap up Bangladesh’s innings for 233. Mominul remained unbeaten on 107, but the lack of support from his teammates made it difficult for Bangladesh to post a challenging total.
India now looks to capitalize on the advantage gained from their strong bowling performance and aim for a commanding lead in their first innings.
