The eagerly awaited second Test between Bangladesh and India in Kanpur was unfortunately cut short on the first day, thanks to bad light and heavy rain. Bangladesh managed to put up 107 for 3 in just 35 overs before the weather decided to take over the game. Mominul Haque remained the solid force for Bangladesh, finishing unbeaten on 40, while Akash Deep shone for India, bagging two wickets. Let’s dive into the highlights of a rain-soaked first day that still gave fans something to talk about.
Toss and Team Strategy
After an hour’s delay due to a wet outfield caused by overnight rain, India won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision driven by the overcast conditions. This was the first time India had opted to field first in a home Test since 2015. Clearly, captain Rohit Sharma had a plan in mind with his unchanged team, banking on his seamers to take full advantage of the soft pitch that had more grass than usual.
Bangladesh, however, seemed to have read the conditions through a different lens. Despite the overcast sky and the greenish pitch, they opted to bat first. Their decision to go with three spinners also hinted that they were counting on the pitch to turn later in the match, though their approach would be questioned after losing early wickets.
Akash Deep: India’s Silent Assassin
India’s seamers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, began with precision but didn’t find early success. Bumrah bowled three maidens upfront, keeping things tight but not breaking through. The initial spells from India’s top two pacers saw Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan survive with cautious batting. Zakir, however, was stuck at zero after facing 20 balls, and India needed a spark.
Enter Akash Deep, whose introduction in the ninth over changed the dynamics instantly. His third ball drew Zakir into an ill-advised walk down the pitch, resulting in a sharp edge that found its way into Yashasvi Jaiswal’s safe hands at gully. A TV review confirmed the clean catch, and Zakir was sent packing.
Soon after, Akash Deep struck again, trapping Shadman lbw with a beauty of a delivery that nipped in. India’s decision to review was on point, and to everyone’s surprise, the ball was shown hitting a significant part of the leg stump.
Mominul and Shanto Stand Tall
Despite the early setbacks, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque came together to stabilize the innings. Shanto played with positive intent, finding streaky boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking. Mominul, meanwhile, gradually grew more confident, hitting calculated shots including a couple of crisp boundaries off Akash Deep and Siraj. The two batters stitched together a crucial 51-run partnership for the third wicket.
However, just as Bangladesh began to look steady, R Ashwin delivered a crucial blow. In the over following the lunch break, Ashwin came around the wicket and trapped Shanto lbw with a delivery that straightened after pitching. Shanto departed after a well-fought 31, leaving Bangladesh at 73 for 3.
Mominul’s Grit in Testing Conditions
Mominul continued to soldier on, playing some risky shots but surviving thanks to the luck that every batter needs on a tricky day. He was tested by both spin and pace, particularly by Bumrah and Akash Deep, but showed resilience in staying unbeaten at 40 when the rain finally took over. Mushfiqur Rahim, who joined Mominul, had a few nervy moments himself, but managed to remain unbeaten alongside his teammate.
The Rain Takes Over
After a short drizzle delayed the second session by 15 minutes, play resumed only to be halted again soon after due to bad light. The game finally came to a halt at 3pm local time when heavy rain began pouring down, much to the disappointment of the players and fans. Despite attempts to wait it out, the umpires decided to call off the day’s play with only 35 overs bowled.
FAQs
Only 35 overs were bowled due to bad light and rain.
Akash Deep took two crucial wickets, making him the standout bowler for India.
Bangladesh managed to score 107 for 3, with Mominul Haque leading the resistance, remaining unbeaten on 40.
The match was interrupted and eventually called off due to heavy rain and bad light.
India won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to exploit the overcast conditions.
Conclusion
The first day of the second Test between Bangladesh and India in Kanpur was a frustrating one, both for the players and the fans. While there was some exciting cricket in the 35 overs that were played, the rain took the spotlight. Akash Deep’s early breakthroughs, Shanto and Mominul’s resilient partnership, and the tactical bowling from India were the highlights of the day.
Both teams will be eager to make up for lost time on Day 2, weather permitting, as Bangladesh looks to build on their 107 for 3, and India aims to press home their advantage. With Mominul and Mushfiqur at the crease, Bangladesh will hope for a strong showing when play resumes, while India will look to their bowlers to continue their good work. Let’s just hope the rain stays away and allows for some uninterrupted cricket action.
