In the first Test match of the series, held at MA Chidambaram Stadium, India defeated Bangladesh by a commanding 280 runs, with Ravichandran Ashwin delivering a standout all-round performance. The Indian off-spinner took center stage, excelling with both bat and ball, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Toss and First Innings
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of the early conditions. However, India posted a strong first-innings total of 376 runs, led by Ravichandran Ashwin’s brilliant knock of 113 off 133 balls. Ashwin’s century was crucial in stabilizing India after some early wickets. He received excellent support from Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 86 off 124 balls.
Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler for his team, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/83) in 22.2 overs, while Taskin Ahmed chipped in with 3 wickets for 55 runs.
Bangladesh’s Response
In response, Bangladesh struggled to gain any momentum, managing just 149 runs in their first innings. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah ripped through the top order, taking 4 wickets for 50 runs, while debutant Akash Deep supported him well with 2 wickets. Shakib Al Hasan top-scored for Bangladesh with 32 runs, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained unbeaten on 27. The visitors were bowled out quickly, giving India a huge advantage going into the second innings.
India’s Second Innings Declaration
India declared their second innings at 287/4, setting Bangladesh a daunting target. Shubman Gill led the charge with a superb unbeaten 119 off 176 balls, while Rishabh Pant smashed a century as well, scoring 109 off 128 balls. With Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking 2 wickets for 103 runs, Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting, and India declared, giving themselves plenty of time to bowl out Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Second Innings
Facing an uphill battle, Bangladesh put up a better fight in their second innings but fell short, scoring 234 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto played a solid knock of 82 off 127 balls, while Shadman Islam contributed 35. However, it was Ravichandran Ashwin who once again dominated, taking 6 wickets for 88 runs in 21 overs, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle and lower order. Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with 3 wickets, wrapping up the match and handing India a massive victory by 280 runs.
Conclusion:
Ravichandran Ashwin’s remarkable all-round display (113 runs, 6 wickets in the second innings) was the highlight of the match, earning him the Player of the Match award. India’s dominant win gives them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, and they will be eager to carry this momentum into the second Test.
For Bangladesh, it was a tough outing, but they will look to regroup and come back stronger in the next game.
