Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill posted brilliant centuries as India were in a commanding position on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India declared at 287/4 and thereby set a mammoth target of 515 runs.
Earlier, India posted 376 runs, with Ravichandran Ashwin scoring a stunning century. Meanwhile, the second innings saw the impressive performance of Indian bowlers as they bundled out the visitors 149, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming a four-wicket haul. On the third day, Pant scored his sixth Test century while Gill achieved his fifth, both showcasing a disciplined and aggressive batting approach.
Gill and Pant, known for their attacking styles, showcased remarkable resilience as they realized the importance of patience on Day 3. Gill began the day with impressive sixes, particularly targeting Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Meanwhile, the wicketkeeper-batter, who faced a feeble dismissal in the opening innings took his time to revamp this time. Pant, 26, reached his hundred in just 118 balls, while Gill completed his century in 161 balls. As the declaration approached on the third day, KL Rahul also contributed with some elegant drives, scoring unbeaten 22 off just 19 deliveries.
Chasing the 515-run target, Bangladesh started their innings with intent, with opener Zakir Hasan hitting boundaries against the Indian bowlers. However, Bumrah provided an initial breakthrough for India, dismissing Hasan for 33 runs.
Ashwin, who emerged as a standout performer for India in the first innings, soon imposed himself, and troubled the Bangladesh batting line-up. Despite Bangladesh’s resistance, the veteran off-spinner managed to pick up crucial wickets, including that of Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque, who have scored 35 and 13 runs, respectively. Ashwin’s efforts saw Bangladesh reeling at 124/3 in 30 overs.
Ashwin’s efforts were commendable, as he struck again in the 34th over, removing Mushfiqur Rahim for just 13 runs. However, play was unexpectedly halted due to poor light at the Chepauk Stadium. As the third day’s play concluded, the tourists faced an uphill battle to chase down the mammoth target as they now trail by 357 runs. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) remained unbeaten at the crease. They will return to the pitch on Day 4, aiming to build a resilient partnership and put pressure on the Indian bowlers as the match unfolds.
