India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 3: India Tightens Grip on Day 3 of the 1st Test Against Bangladesh

India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 3: Day 3 of the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test in Chennai saw the hosts extending their dominance in both batting and bowling, leaving Bangladesh with a daunting chase. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill’s centuries helped India set a massive 515 run target before R Ashwin’s spin prowess put the visitors on the back foot.

Let’s have a look into more details- India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 3

Pant and Gill Dominate in the Morning

Resuming the day at 205/3, India’s dynamic duo of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill wasted no time in attacking the Bangladeshi bowlers. Pant, returning to Test cricket after 637 days, played a fearless knock, reaching his sixth Test century off just 124 balls. His aggressive approach saw him equal MS Dhoni’s record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill continued his sublime form, notching his fifth Test century. Gill’s composed innings, punctuated by elegant boundaries, kept the scoreboard ticking. The pair put up a 138 run partnership, taking India to a commanding position before Pant fell for 109, caught off Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

With Gill unbeaten on 119 and KL Rahul contributing a quickfire 22*, India declared at 287/4, leaving Bangladesh with a massive 515 run target.

Bangladesh’s Tough Chase Begins

In response, Bangladesh’s openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam started positively, managing to keep India’s bowlers at bay. The pair added 56 runs by tea, giving their team a glimmer of hope. Zakir played some fine shots, including a six off Mohammed Siraj, while Islam looked solid at the other end.

However, India’s bowling attack was relentless. Jasprit Bumrah, leading the pace attack, provided the first breakthrough, dismissing Zakir Hasan for 33 with a brilliant catch at slip by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Ravichandran Ashwin soon followed, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order. He claimed the crucial wickets of Shadman Islam (35), Mominul Haque (13), and Mushfiqur Rahim (13), leaving Bangladesh reeling at 158/4.

Najmul Hossain Shanto fought hard to reach his half-century, remaining unbeaten on 51 alongside skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who is batting on 5*. The day ended with Bangladesh still trailing by 357 runs and facing an uphill battle to save the match.

Ashwin’s Spin Magic

Ravichandran Ashwin was India’s standout bowler, picking up three wickets and putting Bangladesh’s middle order under immense pressure. His deliveries spun sharply on a pitch that’s now starting to assist spinners, making life difficult for the visitors.

With Bangladesh still needing 357 runs to win and six wickets in hand, India are in firm control of the match. A lot will depend on how Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan handle India’s lethal bowling attack on Day 4. For India, another strong performance from their bowlers will likely seal a comprehensive victory.

Day 3 was all about India’s dominance in every department. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill’s heroics with the bat and Ravichandran Ashwin’s masterful spin left Bangladesh with a mountain to climb. As play resumes on Day 4, the pressure will be on Bangladesh to avoid a collapse, while India will be looking to wrap up the match and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

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