The Indian cricket team resumed its dominant trend in the World Test Championship (WTC) with a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test match. The win not only provided India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but also maintained their place at the top of the WTC points table. The match, staged in Chennai, saw Ravichandran Ashwin shine with both bat and ball, helping India to a remarkable triumph. Ashwin’s six-wicket haul in the second innings, paired with his century in the first, earned him the Man of the Match title.
Bangladesh, despite a historic series triumph over Pakistan coming into the match, couldn’t muster enough muscle to threaten India on their home field. Starting day four at 158-4 despite chasing a massive 515-run chase, Bangladesh’s ambitions swiftly disintegrated as they were bowled out for 234 in the first session. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s gutsy 82 was the lone bright spot for the visitors. With this defeat, Bangladesh slid to sixth in the WTC points table.
In this lengthy essay, we’ll cover the key highlights of the first Test, India’s climb in the WTC rankings, the role of Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-round brilliance, and what this implies for both sides as they move to Kanpur for the second Test.
1. India’s Resounding Victory: A Statement of Intent
India’s domination in Test cricket continues as they thrashed Bangladesh in all facets of the game. Winning the toss and deciding to bat first, India produced an imposing 471 in their first innings, with contributions from Cheteshwar Pujara (112), Rohit Sharma (95), and Ravichandran Ashwin (103). Bangladesh’s bowlers labored hard, but they couldn’t limit India from laying a good platform.
In reply, Bangladesh failed against India’s disciplined bowling assault, managing only 190 in their first innings. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who had gone wicketless in the first innings, returned with a vengeance in the second, wrecking havoc on the Bangladeshi batting order.
With Ashwin capturing six wickets, Bangladesh’s batting imploded on the last day, and they finished 280 runs short of the objective.
Key Highlights of India’s First Innings: –
– Cheteshwar Pujara’s Century: Pujara’s sturdy 112 at the top of the order was the bedrock of India’s innings. Known for his grit, Pujara’s knock tormented the Bangladesh bowlers, as he rotated the strike and formed key partnerships.
– Ravichandran Ashwin’s Heroics: Ashwin’s century (103) was not only vital in pushing India to a dominant total but also underlined his burgeoning reputation as an all-rounder. His ability to deliver with both bat and ball makes him one of India’s most valued assets in Test cricket.
– Rohit Sharma’s Consistency: Skipper Rohit Sharma’s 95 was a superb performance that set the tone for India’s dominance. Though he came short of a century, his leadership on the field was evident in how he marshaled his bowling unit later.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin: The Man of the Match
Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance in the match earned him the well-deserved honor of Man of the Match. His all-round contribution—scoring a century in the first innings and taking six wickets in the second innings—proved to be the determining factor in India’s victory.
Ashwin’s statements after winning the award underlined his humility and personal connection to the Chennai pitch, where he has grown up watching and playing cricket. “Every time I perform in Chennai, it’s a fantastic sensation. I’ve watched a lot of Tests and international cricket in those stands,” he remarked.
Ashwin’s Bowling Masterclass
In the second innings, Ashwin’s skill of spin bowling came to the forefront. Bangladesh, who were chasing a huge goal of 515, were undone by Ashwin’s guile and control. He got 6 wickets for 88 runs, bowling with precision and exploiting the circumstances superbly.
Bangladesh’s middle-order had no answer to Ashwin’s variety in speed and fly. His wicket-taking rampage featured the prized scalp of Shanto, who had kept the innings together for Bangladesh with a battling 82.
Ashwin’s Century: A Special Knock
Ravichandran Ashwin’s 103 in the first innings was a spectacular knock, especially considering India had lost a few early wickets. His ability to switch gears and develop partnerships with the lower-order batsmen allowed India to attain an imposing total. Ashwin’s century was not just vital in the circumstances of the match but also emblematic of his standing as a true all-rounder in Test cricket. 
Ashwin’s awareness of the moment was obvious in his post-match interview: “It was an opportunity to fight and dig in deep. I’ve seen so many teammates do it in the past. It was a special innings.”
3. World Test Championship Points Table: India Extends Lead
With this win, India has further consolidated its position atop the World Test Championship points table. India’s points percentage (PCT) has now grown to 71.67, with 7 wins in 10 encounters. Australia, who are trailing closely behind, with a PCT of 62.50, making the race to the WTC final an interesting one.
Updated WTC Standings (As of September 2024):
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 71.67% |
| 2 | Australia | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 62.50% |
| 3 | South Africa | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 55.56% |
| 4 | England | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 50.00% |
| 5 | Pakistan | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 40.00% |
| 6 | Bangladesh | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 39.29% |
The race to the WTC final is heating up, with India and Australia vying for the top two spots. Bangladesh, meanwhile, slipped down to the sixth position after this defeat, with a PCT of 39.29.
The race to the WTC final is heating up, with India and Australia battling for the top two slots. Bangladesh, meanwhile, slid down to the sixth position after this setback, with a PCT of 39.29.
India’s dominant position in the league is a credit to their consistency in Test cricket over the past several months. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has demonstrated perseverance and depth, with players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, and the bowling attack playing crucial roles.
4. Bangladesh’s Struggles Continue
Bangladesh’s failure in the first Test illustrates their troubles in the longest format of the game. Despite their remarkable series triumph over Pakistan, the Tigers have yet to establish their stride against a tough Indian team. They have never beaten India in a Test match, and this setback just extended their losing skid.
The lack of experienced players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim due to injuries damaged Bangladesh’s chances, but their middle-order collapse underscored underlying concerns with technique and temperament against elite bowling.
Shanto’s Lone Effort
Najmul Hossain Shanto stood out for Bangladesh with a gritty 82 in the second innings. He demonstrated great technique and commitment, but he needed backup from the other end. Shanto’s innings was the sole silver lining for Bangladesh in an otherwise awful effort. However, his effort wasn’t enough to challenge India’s supremacy.
5. What’s Next: India vs. Bangladesh in Kanpur
The second and final Test of the series will be contested at Kanpur, and both teams will have much to play for. India will attempt to complete a clean sweep, while Bangladesh will hope for a stronger performance to salvage pride.
Kanpur has always favored spinners, which means Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will once again be vital performers for India. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to reconsider their batting plan and find ways to counter India’s spin combo.
India’s Focus: Solidifying Their WTC Final Chances
For India, a win in Kanpur would move them a step closer to claiming a position in the World Test Championship final. With Australia breathing at their necks, every match counts as the competition increases.
Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid will likely stick to the same combination that worked in Chennai, but there could be some modifications in the bowling department, depending on the pitch conditions in Kanpur.
Bangladesh’s Challenge: Batting Resolve
Bangladesh’s major issue will be their batting, especially against spinners. They will need to find a way to create relationships and demonstrate more application in adverse conditions. Skipper Shanto, Liton Das, and Mominul Haque will have to shoulder more responsibility in the second Test.
Conclusion: India’s March Toward the WTC Final
India’s 280-run triumph over Bangladesh in the first Test is a clear sign of their dominance in the World Test Championship. With Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-round excellence and a great team performance, India has extended its advantage at the top of the points table. As the two sides proceed to Kanpur for the second Test, India will be targeting a series sweep and significantly increasing their prospects of reaching the WTC final.
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