Inclement weather played spoilsport on the first day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh, as bad light and heavy rain stopped play before tea. Bangladesh was left at 107/3, with Mominul Haque unbeaten on 40 and Mushfiqur Rahim on 6 when the umpires took the players off the field due to poor visibility at the Green Park Stadium.
The skies darkened soon after lunch, forcing an early break in play, and soon after, heavy rain followed, preventing any further action for the rest of the day. More downpours are predicted for Saturday, which could jeopardize the second day as well.
India, leading the series 1-0 after a dominant 280-run victory in Chennai, opted to field first under overcast conditions. Fast bowler Akash Deep, justifying the decision, struck early with two quick wickets. Zakir Hasan was caught out for a duck, while Shadman Islam was trapped LBW on 24, both falling to Akash Deep’s sharp deliveries.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto then joined forces with Mominul Haque, stitching a valuable 51-run partnership before Ravichandran Ashwin broke through after lunch. Ashwin, India’s star from the first Test, trapped Shanto LBW with a turning delivery from around the wicket, sending him back for 31.
India’s unchanged bowling attack of three seamers and two spinners continued to trouble the Bangladesh batting lineup, with several deliveries beating the bat. Shakib Al Hasan, who recently announced his impending international retirement, may be playing his last Test in this series, adding an emotional layer to the match.
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With Bangladesh struggling at 107/3, much will depend on how Mominul and Mushfiqur fare in the upcoming sessions, weather permitting. India, aiming to sweep the series and further solidify their position atop the World Test Championship standings, will look to capitalize on any break in the weather to exert further pressure on the visitors.
Fans are now waiting to see how the weather unfolds, with the match precariously poised and both teams hoping for better playing conditions on Day 2.
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