Jaiswal, bowlers ensure India snatch unlikeliest of wins against Bangladesh in Kanpur Test

At the end of the Kanpur Test, it may seem as though defeat had been etched into Bangladesh's fate.

Otherwise, how could anyone lose a match like this! But who actually scripted this inevitable fate for Najmul Hossain Shanto's team? For those who watched the match, which lasted less than two and a half days, it was clear: Bangladesh's batsmen themselves wrote the story of their defeat. No, it wasn't intentional, but through irresponsible displays, they pushed the team toward defeat.

On the first day of the second and final Test of the series between Bangladesh and India at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, only 35 overs of play were possible. Due to rain the previous night, the start of the game was delayed, and after several interruptions from rain, the day's play was eventually called off. The next two days saw no action at all due to persistent rain. By the end of the third day, it seemed that the match was heading for a sure draw. However, the course of events changed dramatically on a remarkable fourth day, reigniting India's chances of victory.

In the end, India turned their possibility of victory into reality, defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets. The same team that had whitewashed Pakistan in a two-match series on their own soil was now whitewashed by India. Despite Mominul Haque's century, Bangladesh was bowled out for 233 in their first innings. In response, India batted with a T20 mindset, amassing 285 runs in 34.4 overs and declaring their first innings, taking a 52-run lead.

Trailing behind, Bangladesh's batting in the second innings went from bad to worse. Their batsmen, showing even less responsibility than in the first innings, collapsed. Losing eight wickets for just 55 runs, Bangladesh was bowled out for 146, setting a target of 95 runs for India. The hosts had two full sessions to chase down the target, which they achieved comfortably, racing to the finish in just 17 overs with an ODI-style run rate.

India got off to a blazing start in their chase, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma scoring 18 runs in the first two overs. However, in the third over, they lost their first wicket. Rohit, after scoring 8 runs from 7 balls, was caught by Hasan Mahmud while attempting a sweep shot off Mehidy Hasan Miraz's first ball. One over later, Miraz also sent Shubman Gill back to the pavilion. At 34 for 2, India faced some pressure.

But that pressure quickly subsided as Jaiswal, who had already smashed a fifty in the previous innings, and Virat Kohli steadily steered India towards victory with quick scoring. Especially dominant was Jaiswal, who reached his half-century in just 43 balls. The young left-hander hit 8 fours and 1 six in his 51 off 45 balls before being dismissed by Taijul Islam. Kohli remained unbeaten on 29, while Rishabh Pant finished on 4. Miraz took two wickets, and Taijul claimed one.

Bangladesh had a chance to save the match by batting through most of the final day. But instead, the batsmen contributed to the procession of coming and going, throwing their wickets away with ill-judged shots rather than considering the match situation. After Shadman Islam Anik's half-century, Mushfiqur Rahim fought briefly but it wasn't enough for the team.

Mushfiqur, trying to shield the lower-order batsmen, opted to take singles on the last ball of the over to keep the strike. However, his efforts ended in disappointment. Just before the lunch break, he attempted an unnecessary lofted shot off Jasprit Bumrah and was bowled, gifting his wicket right before the interval.

Mushfiqur made 37 runs off 63 balls with 7 fours. Earlier, Shadman had scored 50 off 101 balls with 10 fours. Resuming at 26 for 2, Bangladesh lost Mominul Haque soon after. Having played several sweep shots in the previous innings, Mominul fell to a similar shot today, caught at leg slip for 2.

Captain Shanto also displayed poor responsibility during a crucial time for the team. Attempting a reverse sweep without properly judging the line and length, he was bowled for 19. Before this, the partnership between Shadman and Shanto had added 55 runs. Bangladesh lost their fourth wicket at 91 runs, and from there, the collapse began. They went from 91 for 4 to 94 for 7 in no time. Within a short span, Shadman, Liton Kumar Das, and Shakib Al Hasan were all back in the pavilion.

Liton made just 1 run, while Shakib failed to open his account. The experienced all-rounder was caught off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who joined Mushfiqur, managed to score 9 runs before getting out. India's three bowlers—Bumrah, Ashwin, and Jadeja—wrapped up Bangladesh's innings, each taking three wickets. The remaining wicket was claimed by pacer Akash Deep.