Finance
India’s 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur cemented their place at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings.
With the seven-wicket triumph, India increased their point percentage to an amazing 74.24, while Bangladesh’s setback put them to seventh place with 34.38 percent, trailing South Africa and New Zealand, who were fifth and sixth, respectively.
Australia is in second place with a point percentage of 62.50 after eight wins in 12 games, followed by Sri Lanka (third) and England (fourth), both with 55.56 and 42.19 point percentages.
Despite heavy rain on Day 2 and 3, India’s determination to win remained unwavering. Bangladesh scored 233 following a start-and-stop first innings, led by Mominul Haque’s century (107 not out).
With little time left to force a result, India took an extremely aggressive strategy, treating the Test like a Twenty20 match. On the fourth day, India’s hitters unleashed a historic blitz, dismantling Bangladesh’s bowling attack with a rush of boundaries and milestones.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (72 from 51 balls) and KL Rahul (68 from 43 balls) led the way as India recorded the quickest team score in Test cricket history. In 34.4 overs, India recorded the quickest 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 in Test history, declaring at 285/9 and establishing a first-innings lead of 52.
Bangladesh in their second innings late on Day 4 found themselves in early trouble. Ravichandran Ashwin struck twice in the closing overs to peg back Bangladesh, who ended the day at 36/2. The final day was set up for an exciting finish, with India’s bowlers eager to capitalise on the momentum.
However, Ravindra Jadeja, introduced into the attack, quickly dismantled any chance of Bangladesh building momentum. In a brilliant spell, Jadeja took three wickets in as many overs. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s strike pacer, then took over with the new ball, ripping through the lower order with a deadly display of fast bowling, ending Bangladesh’s innings at 146 and leaving India with a target of just 95 to chase for the win.
Despite the low goal, India remained proactive in their last innings, finishing the chase quickly. Jaiswal scored a half-century off only 43 balls. After being dismissed for 51, Virat Kohli took over, finished the game alongside Rishabh Pant, who scored the winning runs for India with a beautiful boundary.
India completed the goal in 18 overs, winning comfortably by seven wickets to seal a 2-0 series sweep over Bangladesh.
India will next face New Zealand in a home series as they continue their march to the World Cup. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will have time to recuperate as it prepares to host South Africa.
Source:IANS
