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The Kanpur Test, a part of the Bangladesh Tour of India 2024, concluded with a resounding victory for India, securing a 2-0 series sweep. This win marked India's 18th consecutive series victory on home soil, a testament to their dominant performance. The match, though ultimately a comfortable win for India, was filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it one of the most intriguing Test matches in recent times.
The first three days of the match were marred by inclement weather and an unpredictable pitch, leaving spectators frustrated. The opening day saw a mere 35 overs bowled, with the weather playing spoilsport. Even as play resumed on day four, the pitch continued to offer challenges. The black soil resulted in low bounce, while dampness and overhead conditions made the ball move erratically for the pacers, adding to the unpredictable nature of the game.
India, despite opting to bowl first, struggled to find their rhythm initially. Jasprit Bumrah, known for his accuracy and pace, had an unusually off-day, while Mohammed Siraj's performance was inconsistent. However, Akash Deep's twin strikes and Ravichandran Ashwin's ability to extract spin from the surface helped to justify Rohit Sharma's decision. However, bad light on day one, followed by persistent rain and a wet outfield, made a draw seem like the most likely outcome. It was only when India shifted gears that the match took a dramatic turn.
The fourth morning started as any other regular Test day, with Mominul Haque looking composed and in control, on his way to his 13th Test century. However, a lack of support at the other end led to a collapse for Bangladesh. Mushfiqur Rahim's dismissal to a sharp in-swinger from Bumrah triggered a domino effect. Bumrah was back to his best, and the other Indian bowlers chipped in, leaving Mominul stranded in the middle. Bangladesh's collapse from 224/6 to 233 all out was a turning point in the match.
If India's bowlers stole the show on the fourth morning, their batters went on to deliver a remarkable performance in the afternoon session. India played a brand of cricket that was more akin to T20 than Test, on a surface that was not ideal for fluent strokeplay. Rohit Sharma set the tone with a cameo, but it was Jaiswal's 72 off 51 balls that truly ignited India's charge. Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul followed suit, displaying an aggressive approach, transforming the match into a one-sided affair.
The result of this shift in attitude was a landslide victory for India. India faced 238 deliveries less than Bangladesh and still ended with a lead of 52 runs. India's scoring rate of 8.22 was a record for the best innings run rate for any team scoring over 200 runs in Tests. India smashed the fastest 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 in the format, showcasing their dominance.
Bangladesh, facing a deficit of 26 runs, started the fifth day hoping to take the lead without losing a wicket. However, Mominul Haque fell victim to a clever plan by Rohit Sharma and the team. Knowing Mominul's tendency to sweep, a leg slip was positioned, making the sweep shot a risky option. Mominul, in attempting the sweep, edged the ball to Rahul at leg slip, off Ashwin's bowling. This was a crucial wicket that opened the floodgates for India.
Shadman Islam showed positive intent and struck some impressive boundaries. However, Bangladesh's hopes of a comeback were extinguished by Ravindra Jadeja's introduction into the attack. Jadeja, in his first over, claimed the wicket of the Bangladesh captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, who attempted a reverse sweep, but ended up being bowled. This was followed by the dismissals of Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, and Shadman Islam, putting Bangladesh firmly on the back foot.
With the score at 94/7, Bumrah quickly dispatched the tail, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position. Chasing a target of 95, India's win was merely a formality. Jaiswal's quickfire fifty sealed the victory, demonstrating India's relentless pursuit of a win. While the strength of the opposition and home conditions might lead some to downplay the significance of the win, India's aggressive approach and determination to force a win under such circumstances make it a memorable one. This victory reinforces India's position as a dominant force in Test cricket, especially on home turf.