In a match that will be remembered for years to come, Rohit Sharma’s Indian cricket team achieved a stunning victory against Bangladesh in the second Test match in Kanpur. Despite adverse weather and challenging ground conditions that curtailed play for two and a half days, the Indian team displayed a blistering batting approach to secure a win by seven wickets.
The weather was a persistent hurdle, with only 35 overs being bowled on the first day after Bangladesh was put into bat. Rain and unplayable ground conditions further disrupted proceedings on the second day, and the third day was entirely washed out without a single ball being bowled. With such interruptions, the match seemed headed towards an inevitable draw. However, the Indian team had other plans as they turned the tide in a remarkable fashion.
On Day 4, the Indian batsmen came out with a clear intent to dominate the game. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma provided a blistering start which set the tone for the innings. Jaiswal, in particular, was sensational, smashing 72 runs off just 51 balls. His aggressive batting was complemented by KL Rahul, who contributed 68 runs from 43 balls, and Virat Kohli, who added 47 runs from just 35 deliveries. The Indian team declared their first innings at 285/9 in only 34.4 overs, astonishing the cricket world with a run rate of 8.22, shattering the world record for the highest team scoring rate in a Test inning.
Bangladesh, in their second innings, found themselves under tremendous pressure as India’s bowlers maintained the momentum. Ravichandran Ashwin struck early, removing Zakir Hasan and night watchman Hasan Mahmud by the end of Day 4. This was followed by a disciplined bowling performance from Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, which saw the visitors being bowled out for just 146 runs early on Day 5.
With only 95 runs needed to win, India showcased their aggressive approach once again. They went for the target with a batting rate of 5.65, completing the chase in just 17.2 overs. Their combined run rate for both innings stood at a staggering 7.36, a feat that shattered the previous world record held by South Africa against Zimbabwe in Cape Town in 2005, which stood at 6.
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This match will not only be remembered for India’s dominance but also for the new benchmark they set for scoring rates in Test cricket. The previous record for the top five highest combined scoring rates in Test history was:
1. India vs Bangladesh in Kanpur, 2024: 7.36 run rate
2. South Africa vs Zimbabwe in Cape Town, 2005: 6.80 run rate
3. England vs Pakistan in Rawalpindi, 2022: 6.73 run rate
4. England vs Ireland at Lord’s, 2023: 6.43 run rate
5. England vs Bangladesh in Chester-le-Street, 2005: 5.73 run rate
The weather conditions almost took the game away from both teams but the Indian cricket team turned the challenge into an opportunity to display their aggressive brand of cricket. The fourth day saw a dramatic TWIST as Jaiswal and Sharma went on a destructive spree, changing the nature of the contest entirely. Jaiswal’s quick-fire 72 laid the foundation for a strong batting performance, while contributions from other players pushed the team’s total to a commanding score.
This performance was followed by a sterling bowling display. Ashwin’s crucial dismissals set the tone, and the relentless efforts from Bumrah and Jadeja ensured that the visitors were bundled out quickly. The Indian camp, confident and aggressive, needed just a few overs on Day 5 to chase down the target, completing the victory with ease. The remarkable victory, accomplished with more than a session to spare, was a testament to the team’s resilience and skill.
The game showcased India’s growing prowess in adapting to adverse conditions and rising to the occasion with remarkable performances from both their batsmen and bowlers. The record-breaking scoring rate highlighted their aggressive intent and ability to seize moments within the match despite external hindrances.
The sensational win in Kanpur will be remembered as one where India not only achieved a dominant victory but also redefined the possibilities in Test cricket with their extraordinary run rate, setting new standards for future teams to aspire to.
