Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his growing reputation as a sharp fielder by pulling off an extraordinary one-handed catch in the first Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The catch, which dismissed Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan, provided India with a much-needed breakthrough as the visitors chased a daunting 515-run target.
In Bangladesh’s second innings, openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam offered strong resistance, putting together a solid 62-run partnership. They managed to frustrate the Indian bowlers by successfully negotiating a tricky phase of play before tea and continued their resilience into the final session of the day.
Jaiswal takes a stunner
In the 15th over of the innings, Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah tempted Zakir Hasan with a full-length delivery just outside the off-stump. The left-handed batter, who was on 33 at the time, attempted a drive but could only manage an edge. The ball flew rapidly towards the gully region, where Jaiswal was positioned. Reacting quickly, Jaiswal stuck out his left arm and grabbed the ball inches above the ground in what many are calling one of the best catches of the series.
Zakir Hasan’s innings came to an end after a well-made 33 off 47 deliveries, which included five boundaries and one six. His dismissal came as a relief to India, who had struggled to break through Bangladesh’s opening pair.
Jaiswal’s fielding prowess has been on full display throughout the year. Earlier in the home series against England, he took a remarkable catch to dismiss Joe Root, once again off Bumrah’s bowling. His growing reliability in the slip and gully region is becoming a key asset for India, especially in crucial moments of Test matches.
At the time of Zakir Hasan’s dismissal, Bangladesh had scored 62 runs without losing a wicket. India, however, capitalized on the breakthrough, dismissing Shadman Islam soon after, with Shubman Gill taking a sharp catch in the slips. By the end of the 22nd over, Bangladesh had reached 86/2, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque at the crease, still requiring 360 runs to win.
As the Test progresses, India will look to further tighten their grip on the match, relying on their fielders’ agility and bowlers’ persistence. With the pitch expected to deteriorate, the remaining two days will pose a significant challenge for Bangladesh, who will need to dig deep to avoid a heavy defeat.
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