Despite some stern resistance from the Bangladeshi openers on the fourth day, India are still in a commanding position and are well poised to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Young Zakir Hasan scored a fighting century on his test debut, while his opening partner Najmul Hossain Shanto also made a crucial contribution of 67. India’s bowlers were made to toil hard on a slow turner, with Axar Patel picking up three wickets.
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Resuming from their overnight score of 42, both the Bangladeshi openers settled in pretty well and looked in control against both pace and spin. The pitch was offering some slow turn, which meant that the batsmen were able to adjust without much trouble.
The introduction of Axar Patel and his quick darts at the stumps troubled the batsmen but both survived as India went wicketless in the morning session. Umesh Yadav provided the breakthrough for India after lunch, having Shanto caught behind for 67.
Axar Patel got his reward for some fine piece of bowling as Zakir Hasan failed to pick his off-spinner and lost his stumps in the process. Liton Das, coming in at No.4, survived a DRS call against Kuldeep Yadav but soon found the fielder at mid-on.
Young Zakir Hasan made it to his maiden century after tea but soon perished, giving Ashwin his first wicket of the test. The experienced duo of Shabil Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim resisted for 10 overs but their stand was broken by Axar, who uprooted the stums of Mushfiqur.
The left-arm spinner struck once again in the same over, stumping Nurul Hasan with a big turner. It looked like India would finish off the game on day four after Bangladesh were reduced to 238/6. But Shakib and Mehidy Hasan made sure there were no further casualties for Bangladesh.
Shakib, in particular, was happy to play his shots, while Mehidy dropped anchor as the home side ensured the game went into the final day.
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