India triumph over weather adversity to clinch memorable Test victory in Kanpur

It took India only 36 overs with the ball and then 17.2 overs with the bat to pull off the unthinkable and register a commanding 7-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second Test at Kanpur, sealing a 2-0 series win in the process.

The Indian bowlers barely broke a sweat in bowling out Bangladesh for 146 in the visitors’ second essay, setting themselves a target of 95 which they chased down inside an hour’s worth of play.

The fact that the victory came despite two and a half days of play washed out due to rain - only 35 overs were bowled in the first three days - is a testament to India’s drive for a win, which was further highlighted by the uber-aggressive approach with the bat in the hosts’ first innings.

Bangladesh, though, found themselves on the opposite side of the spectrum at the start of play on Day 5, with the score reading 26/2 and the approach they needed to take crystal clear - survive and prevent being bowled out.

However, that task was going to be far from easy, especially after it took Ravichandran Ashwin (3/50) only nine balls to strike, eking a false sweep attempt from Mominul Haque (2) that was pouched well by KL Rahul at leg slip.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto joined Shadman Islam in the middle and the duo looked settled comfortably at the crease, before a brain fade from the former saw his timbre rattled.

Shanto (19) tried to reverse sweep only the second ball Jadeja bowled and was castled, giving India a welcome opening which they exploited to the fullest. Islam getting to his fifty was the only positive for Bangladesh amidst a torrid period in which they crumbled from 91/3 to 94/7, only for a decent hand from Mushfiqur Rahim (37) that took them to 146.

Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) was the wrecker-in-chief, well complemented by Jadeja (3/34) and Ashwin, with Akash Deep picking up one wicket as well.

Coming out to bat with 95 to get for a memorable win, Yashasvi Jaiswal picked up from where he left off in the first innings, sending the Bangladesh bowlers on a leather hunt with an exquisite array of boundaries.

Although India lost Rohit Sharma (8) and Shubman Gill (6) cheaply, Jaiswal joined forces with Virat Kohli (29*) as the pair put on 58 runs in quick time before the southpaw departed in his quest for a quick finish to the game.

Rishabh Pant (4*) walked in at the fall of Jaiswal’s wicket and ensured there were no other hurdles as India cantered home with seven wickets and more than a session left to play.