India’s cricketing prowess was on full display as they defeated Bangladesh by a staggering 280 runs in the first Test held in Chennai, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. This victory not only highlights India’s dominance in the game but also marks a historic milestone for the Indian cricket team, who have finally achieved a positive win-loss record in Test cricket after 92 year,
Ravichandran Ashwin Shines with a Historic Performance
Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the standout performer for India, delivering a masterclass in spin bowling. In the second innings, he claimed six wickets for 88 runs, helping to dismantle the Bangladesh batting lineup, which crumbled under the pressure of chasing a monumental target of 515 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin exceptional performance brought his career total of five-wicket hauls in Tests to 37, equaling the legendary Shane Warne’s record. He also surpassed New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee, who recorded 36 five-wicket hauls during his illustrious career.
Key Statistics
- Ravichandran Ashwin’s Figures: 6 wickets for 88 runs in the second innings.
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 37 (tied with Shane Warne, surpassed Richard Hadlee).
- Test Matches Played: 101.
Ashwin now stands just behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, who leads the all-time list with an astounding 67 five-wicket hauls.
37th Five Wicket Haul for Ashwin (Equals Warne's record, now only Murali has more in Tests).
Century and 5-wicket haul in same Test for 4th time (only Botham has more which is 5 times).
First player to get a century and 5 wicket haul on same venue twicepic.twitter.com/Nefj562RxB
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) September 22, 2024Bangladesh’s Batting Collapse
Facing an imposing target, Bangladesh’s batting lineup struggled significantly. Although skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto exhibited some resistance with a commendable 82 runs, the rest of the team faltered under India’s relentless bowling attack, ultimately bowled out for 234 runs.
Resuming their innings at 158 for 4, Bangladesh had shown initial promise, but Ravichandran Ashwin introduction to the bowling attack proved pivotal. He dismissed Shakib Al Hasan for 25, and from that point on, Bangladesh’s innings unraveled quickly. Ravindra Jadeja also played a crucial role, picking up three wickets, including that of Shanto, further accelerating the collapse.
India Makes History in Test Cricket
This monumental win was not just about the match itself; it also marked a historic moment in Indian cricket. With this victory, India achieved their 179th win in Test cricket, finally surpassing their number of losses, which stands at 178. This milestone is significant, as it is the first time since India played their inaugural Test match in 1932 that their victories have outnumbered their defeats.
The Journey to This Milestone
India’s journey in Test cricket has been long and arduous. The team suffered a 158-run defeat in their first Test, but over the decades, they have evolved into one of the leading cricketing nations. Now, alongside countries like Australia, England, and South Africa, India joins the ranks of teams with more wins than losses in Test history.
Key Match Highlights
- Second Innings Declaration: India declared their second innings at 287 for 4, setting a formidable target of 514.
- Top Performers:
- Rishabh Pant: Scored 109 runs.
- Shubman Gill: Contributed 119 runs.
The Indian team showcased a strong batting performance alongside their bowling prowess, which ultimately secured their victory.
Ashwin’s All-Round Excellence
Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance in this Test match has reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in modern cricket. He not only took six wickets in the second innings but also scored a crucial century in the first innings. This remarkable achievement places him in elite company, as Ashwin is now one of only 37 players to have achieved the rare feat of scoring a century and taking five wickets in a single Test match.
A Testament to Consistency
Throughout his career, Ashwin has demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill. In fact, the recent Test match was only the seventh instance in which he failed to take a wicket in his 121 innings played on Indian soil. His average and strike rate are comparable to the best fast bowlers, further establishing his position as a leading spinner in the game.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s extraordinary performance in the first Test against Bangladesh has not only secured a dominant victory for India but also etched his name alongside some of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. With this win, India has taken a significant step towards establishing a positive win-loss record in Test cricket, a feat that has been a long time coming. As the second Test approaches, fans eagerly await to see if Ashwin and the Indian team can continue their winning streak and further solidify their place in cricketing history.
This match has not only been a testament to India’s strength in cricket but also a celebration of Ashwin’s remarkable journey and contributions to the game, promising exciting prospects for the future of Indian cricket.
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