India Sets a Massive Target for Bangladesh as Pant and Gill.
India continued their dominance over Bangladesh in the ongoing Test match, setting a daunting target of 515 runs after centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. The Indian duo shared a 167-run stand, helping India declare at 287/4 in their second innings. Bangladesh, chasing a mammoth total, began steadily with their openers putting up an unbeaten 56-run stand by the end of the day.
India’s Commanding Batting Performance
India began Day 4 with the intention of extending their lead, and despite early morning rains, play commenced on time under overcast skies. Starting the day at 12 off 13 balls, Rishabh Pant wasted no time and got the scoreboard ticking with a pull shot off Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a boundary. He followed it up with a controlled pull off Hasan Mahmud for his second four of the day.
On the other end, Shubman Gill began watchfully but soon showed his intent by stepping down the track to Mehidy and smashing two sixes, bringing up a well-deserved half-century. India crossed the 350-run lead as Gill and Pant steadily built a partnership. Their cautious approach saw them score 48 runs in the first 15 overs of the morning, but the steady accumulation paid off.
Pant and Gill Reach Milestones
Pant brought up his fifty in the second hour of play, reaching the mark off 88 balls. It was a controlled and patient innings from the left-hander, who capitalized on loose deliveries, dispatching them with authority. Gill also continued to impress, putting away a slow, short delivery from Mahmud for a four, followed by an exquisite shot over cover for another boundary.
The duo’s partnership flourished as Pant executed a reverse sweep off Shakib Al Hasan for four, raising the century stand. A slight shift in tempo followed as Pant upped the ante, driving India closer to a declaration. He quickly moved into the 80s and 90s, hammering boundaries with ease.
Pant reached his sixth Test hundred in style, marking a triumphant return to the format after a two-year absence. However, he soon perished to Mehidy Hasan, who caught and bowled him shortly after the milestone.
Gill, unfazed by the fall of his partner, continued his composed innings, clipping his way to his fifth Test century. The Indian opener’s hundred came with a display of calm aggression, as he kept Bangladesh under pressure with some elegant stroke play.
India Declares, Setting a Mountainous Target
With Gill unbeaten on 119 and India’s lead swelling past 500, the visitors declared their innings at 287/4, giving Bangladesh a mammoth target of 515. The declaration came just before the second session ended, leaving Bangladesh with the challenge of surviving nearly two days of play or chasing the total.
Bangladesh’s Response
In response, Bangladesh’s openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudul Hasan Joy began confidently. Despite the daunting target, the pair showcased resilience and composure, putting up a 56-run unbeaten stand by the end of the day’s play. Both batters negotiated the Indian attack well, giving their side a fighting chance, though the road ahead remains steep.
Match Summary
- India: 376 & 287/4 decl (Shubman Gill 119*, Rishabh Pant 109)
- Bangladesh: 149 & 56/0
- India leads by: 467 runs
Conclusion
India’s commanding performance with the bat, led by centuries from Pant and Gill, has put them firmly in control of the Test match. Bangladesh faces a herculean task of either chasing down 515 runs or surviving two days against a formidable Indian bowling attack. While their openers have shown early promise, it remains to be seen how they handle the pressure as the match progresses.