Ashwin’s Six-Wicket Haul Powers India to 280-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in First Test
Chennai: Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his extraordinary skills with a six-wicket haul, leading India to a commanding 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first Test, with five sessions to spare. This victory marks a significant start to the two-match series, giving India a 1-0 lead.
Starting the day at 158 for four, Bangladesh struggled to build on their innings, ultimately bowled out for 234. Ashwin’s brilliant performance (6/88) dismantled the Bangladeshi lineup, while Ravindra Jadeja supported him well with figures of 3/58.
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto emerged as the lone warrior for Bangladesh, scoring a valiant 82 runs off 127 balls, but received little backing from his teammates. The day began positively for Bangladesh, with Shanto and Shakib Al-Hasan (25) extending their fifth-wicket partnership to 48 runs, resisting the Indian bowlers initially.
Mohammed Siraj proved to be the standout bowler during this period, showcasing good pace and control, though he faced frustration as edges eluded him. Shakib’s solid front-foot pull was a highlight, although he survived a stumping opportunity off Jadeja when on 17.
Ashwin’s introduction after the first drinks break shifted the momentum dramatically. With no significant assistance from the pitch, Ashwin leveraged his exceptional ability to create angles, immediately unsettling the Bangladeshi batsmen. His clever delivery to Shakib resulted in a catch to Yashasvi Jaiswal at backward short leg, marking the beginning of Bangladesh’s collapse.
Completing his 37th five-wicket haul, Ashwin equaled the record held by Australian legend Shane Warne and surpassed New Zealand great Richard Hadlee’s tally of five-wicket hauls. This match also marked the fourth instance of Ashwin taking five wickets alongside scoring a century.
Jadeja contributed crucially as well, dismissing both Shanto and Litton Das, the latter edging a catch to Rohit Sharma at slip. Despite the overwhelming odds, Shanto’s performance provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
In his quest for runs, Shanto employed an array of shots, yet ultimately fell to Jadeja while attempting a high-risk shot, leading to his dismissal in the 59th over and signaling the end of Bangladesh’s resistance.
As Bangladesh reflects on this comprehensive defeat, they will need to regroup quickly ahead of the second Test in Kanpur, starting September 27.
