Thanks to Virat Kohli majestic century and Ishant Sharma 4 wicket haul helps India inch closer to an innings win on the 2nd day of the historic Pink ball Test match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.
Starting on the overnight score of 174 for 3, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane looked confident with their stroke play making the batting look easy against the Pink ball. Rahane reached his fifty off 65 balls. Soon after reaching his fifty, Rahane was dismissed by Taijul Islam with a good delivery which bounced and went into Ebadat Hossain hand. Rahane and Virat Kohli added 99 runs for the 4th wicket.
Virat Kohli led from the front and scored a superb century off 159 balls. Ravindra Jadeja came to the crease and showed his defensive technique. At the supper break, India were 289 for 4.
It was a brilliant start for Bangladesh as Abu Jayed dismissed Ravindra Jadeja. Kohli and Jadeja added 53 runs for the 5th wicket. Kohli was looking for a big total but was brilliantly caught by Taijul Islam for brilliant 136 from Edadat Hossain. Al Amin Hossain and Abu Jayed swung the new ball dismissing Ashwin, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma. The Indian captain Virat Kohli decided to declare their innings on 347 for 9.
Before the tea break, it was a deadly spell by both Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav who wreaked havoc among the Bangladeshi batsmen. Ishant got wickets of Shadman Islam with a beauty and then got Bangladeshi captain Mominal Haque. At the tea break, Bangladesh were 7 for 2.
In the third session, Umesh Yadav struck to dismiss Mohammad Mithun for 6. Sharma got his 3rd wicket of his innings dismissing Imrul Kayes to leave Bangladesh in tatters at 13 for 4. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudllah played with positive intent putting on 69 runs for the 4th wicket before Mahmdullah retired hurt due to hamstring injury. Mahmudllah retired hurt on 39*.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz came to the crease and looked positive with his intent. Rahim also looked in attacking mood. Ishant Sharma was bought into the attack and dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 39. Miraz and Rahim added 51 runs for the 5th wicket. Rahim reached his fifty off 54 balls. Before the close of play, Rahim was given out but on review umpire reversed his decision as the there was an inside edge.
Before the close of play, Umesh Yadav dismissed Taijul Islam. Bangladesh ended the 2nd day on 152 for 6.
Bangladesh 152 for 6 in 32.3 overs ( Mushfqiur Rahim 59*, Mahmudllah 39 retired hurt, Ishant Sharma 4/39, Umesh Yadav 2/40) Bangladesh 106 in 30.3 overs ( Shadman Islam 29, Liton Das 24, Ishant Sharma 5/22, Umesh Yadav 3/29) trail India 347 for 9 in 89.4 overs ( Virat Kohli 136 , Cheteshwar Pujara 55, Al Amin Hossain 3/85, Ebadat Hossain 3/91, Abu Jayed 2/77) by 89 runs
