KANPUR (India)– Explosive half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul powered India’s aggressive batting as the hosts pushed for a result in the rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh on Monday, despite losing two and a half days of play to the weather.
India declared their rapid first innings at 285-9 in just 34.4 overs, following Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 233 on a fast-paced day four in Kanpur.
Bangladesh faced a challenging 11 overs before the close of play, reaching 26-2 and still trailing by 26 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin trapped Zakir Hasan lbw for 10 before bowling nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud for four. Shadman Islam remained unbeaten on seven, while Mominul Haque, who scored an unbeaten 107 in Bangladesh’s first innings, was yet to open his account.
Jaiswal smashed 72 off 51 balls, hammering 12 fours and two sixes as India reached 100 in just 61 balls, breaking their own record for the fastest 100 in a Test innings. The previous record, set against the West Indies last year, stood at 74 balls.
“Our message this morning was clear—after losing two days, positive intent was the key,” India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel said during a press conference. “The way our bowlers started and the intent with the bat was incredible. We aimed to create a winning opportunity.”
The former South African fast bowler added that the crowd enjoyed the thrilling batting display, likening it to a T20 match atmosphere.
### JADEJA REACHES 300 TEST WICKETS
Jaiswal shared a blistering 55-run partnership off just 24 balls with captain Rohit Sharma, who was bowled by Mehidy Hasan for 23 in the fourth over. Jaiswal continued his aggressive approach, reaching his half-century off 31 balls before being bowled by Hasan Mahmud.
Virat Kohli’s 47 off 35 balls and Rahul’s 68 off 43 balls ensured the momentum continued, despite four-wicket hauls from Bangladesh spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
“They executed their game plan, which caught us by surprise,” Mehidy admitted. “But after a couple of overs, we adapted to their strategy and tried to restrict their innings.”
Shakib, who recently announced his international retirement at 37, could be playing his final Test if he misses the upcoming South Africa series due to retirement.
Earlier in the day, Ravindra Jadeja claimed the final Bangladesh wicket, Khaled Ahmed, caught and bowled to bring up his 300th Test wicket. He became the seventh Indian bowler to reach this milestone, joining a list topped by Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets.
“It’s a special feeling,” Jadeja said. “I’ve been playing Test cricket for 10 years, and reaching this milestone is something I’m proud of.”
Bangladesh began the day at 107-3, resuming under clear skies after rain and a soggy outfield wiped out all of Saturday and Sunday. Only 35 overs had been possible on Friday’s opening day. Mominul, starting the day on 40, reached his 13th Test century before lunch, guiding a boundary off Ashwin.
India leads the two-match series 1-0, following their 280-run victory in the first Test in Chennai.
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