New Delhi: Shubman Gill scored his maiden Test century while Cheteshwar Pujara hit his first one in 52 innings to give Bangladesh a target of 513 runs. India playing on during the third session and scoring 258/2 has put Bangladesh into deep trouble. After getting all out on 150 in the first inning, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Zakir Hasan ensured that the hosts do not lose a wicket to end the day.
Shubman Gill went past his highest score of 91, which came during the historic win over Australia at Gabba, and scored a century. However, he survived following a weird incident with the DRS. In the 32nd over when Yasir Ali hit the ball onto his pads and the umpire gave it a not-out decision. Bangladesh went upstairs, just to get disappointed after the third umpire exclaimed that the ball tracking as gone down so the decision of the on-field umpire stayed.
On the other hand, after a Pujara-style start, he went on to hit boundaries and score a century. Pujara scored his fastest century in the Tests and walked out with a score of 102* off 130, hitting 13 boundaries.
The pitch looked good for batting and India went on with a steady approach after deciding to not give a follow-on to Bangladesh. KL Rahul and Gill laid a partnership of 70 runs, followed by a masterclass by Gill and Pujara to get 113 runs together. Even Pujara and Virat Kohli also a had 75-run partnership between them. With Ebadot Hossain not walking onto the field for bowling and Shakib Al Hasan not bowling due to injury concerns, Bangladesh was left with three full-time bowlers to face a formidable batting lineup.
The morning started with Kuldeep Yadav completing his five-wicket haul after dismissing Ebadot Hossain. It was followed by Axar Patel picking up the 10th wicket before Bangladesh mustered just 17 more runs in the first inning.
Bangladesh has scored 42 for no loss and has to bat for two days to save the game. With a massive target of over 500 runs, the game is almost in India’s pocket. India needs to win five out of the six games before the WTC finals and this game is a positive step towards the same.
