India-Bangladesh Test Series: Early wickets rattle Bangladesh

Bangladesh were 107 for 3 in 35 overs when the first day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium was called off due to rain.

After a delayed start due to a wet outfield, India capitalised on seam-friendly conditions early on, but the visitors slowly clawed their way back into the contest, thanks to a promising partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque.

Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl first paid off immediately as India’s pacer Akash Deep, who has been on a roll, made early inroads. He struck twice in his first spell, leaving Bangladesh at 33/2.

Zakir Hasan fell for a duck, undone by a beautiful delivery from Akash that angled in and shaped away late, edging to Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully for a stunning low catch. Shadnam Islam followed soon after, trapped lbw by Akash in a decision that was initially given not out but overturned upon review, thanks to Rohit’s smart use of DRS.

Bangladesh were reeling at 78/2 by lunch with their hopes for recovery rested on their captain Shanto and the experienced Mominul Haque. Both batters weathered the Indian pace attack, with Mominul gradually finding his rhythm and displaying some lovely stroke play.

Shanto, on the other hand, played with solid technique to grind out runs on a pitch that appeared to be flattening out as the day progressed.

However, it wasn’t long before Ravichandran Ashwin worked his magic. India’s ace off-spinner broke through Shanto’s resistance with a clever arm-ball, luring the Bangladeshi skipper into playing for spin before trapping him lbw.

Shanto’s dismissal for 31, just when he seemed set to anchor the innings, was a blow to Bangladesh’s hopes.

The afternoon session saw Bangladesh show signs of recovery. But just as momentum began to swing toward Bangladesh, bad light interrupted play and persistent drizzle, forcing an early end to the day.

Bangladeshi fan hospitalised after ‘falling ill’ in stands

Kanpur: A well-known Bangladeshi cricket fan, who dresses as a tiger, had to be hospitalised after “falling ill” while watching the second Test against India at the Green Park Stadium here, an incident that he first indicated to be a case of physical assault. Self-proclaimed super fan Robi, was in stand C and had to be carried out of the stadium in a state of distress. During a brief interaction with media, Robi indicated that he had been punched in his abdomen during an altercation. However, in a statement issued from his hospital bed later, he said he merely felt unwell and was given the requisite assistance by the local police.”He was gasping for breath when he met a constable. He became unconscious before we could speak to him, but now he is fine,” the police said.