Rain plays spoilsport in Kanpur as India and Bangladesh finish Day 1 with shared spoils

It wasn’t the ideal day of cricket at Kanpur as the rain gods played spoilsport on the opening day of the match. Winning the toss in the second Test, India opted to bowl first, but a delayed start and modified timings for the sessions did very little for both the sides as play didn’t go on for long.

Going forth with an unchanged side, India’s bowlers jolted Bangladesh to a rude awakening. Akash Deep struck twice in quick succession to claim the wickets of Zakir Hasan (0) and Shadman Islam (24) as the visitors were reduced to 29/2. However, a spirited fightback from their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto (31) laced with a show of exemplary resilience from Mominul Haque (40*) stabilized the ship for Bangladesh.

A partnership of 51 runs for the third wicket met its end at the hands of Ravichandran Ashwin, who managed to dismiss the visitors’ skipper while paving the path for a turnaround. However, when the rain gods interrupted, Bangladesh could tot up only 107/3 from 35 overs. Incessant rain on the first day of the play forced the remainder of the day's play to be called off.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh – 107/3 (Mominul Haque – 40*, Akash Deep – 2/34)