Chennai First Test: In a remarkable display of teamwork, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant both scored half-centuries while forming a 138-run stand for the fourth wicket. This partnership significantly increased India’s advantage to 432 runs after they reached 205/3 in their second innings at lunch on day three of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.
On a hazy day at Chepauk, Gill (86 not out) and Pant (82 not out) dominated a demoralised Bangladesh bowling line-up, scoring 128 runs in just 24 overs.
Gill and Pant appeared unconcerned as they took their time and then unleashed their shots to heap more agony on Bangladesh—except for a missed chance for the latter on 72 off Shakib Al Hasan shortly before lunch.
In the morning, Bangladesh lacked lateral mobility. Pant hit two controlled pulls for boundaries before Gill danced down the pitch and smashed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for back-to-back sixes to complete his 12th Test fifty.
Thank you, Jaddu: Ashwin to Jadeja for Helping Him during the India-Bangladesh First Test in Chennai
Pant and Gill were tactically playing for a long time, which led to a slight decline in the scoring rate. However, Pant broke a 46-ball boundary drought by executing a perfect glide down the pitch against Mehidy Hasan, hitting a four straight down the ground.
Pant continued to show his resilience against Mehidy, hitting him for a one-handed six before reaching 50 in his comeback Test match. This was a significant milestone for Pant, marking his first fifty in international cricket after 638 days.
Bangladesh received little respite as Gill continued to dazzle with his down-the-ground and pull shots, while Pant was outstanding in his loft, reverse-sweep, backfoot punch, and heave shots, dispatching bowlers all over the park.
After being dropped on 72 by Shanto off an off-colour Shakib, Pant hit the sweep and down-the-ground shot over long-off for a brace of fours, putting the match out of Bangladesh’s reach at lunch.
Brief Scores
India 376 and 205/3 in 51 overs (Shubman Gill 86 not out; Rishabh Pant 82 not out; Nahid Rana 1-21) lead Bangladesh 149 by 432 runs.
For more updates Subscribe to Media Eye News
–IANS
(Photo: IANS/R. Parthibhan)
