Shanto hits fifty but Bangladesh still in dire need of 357 runs

|| CF DESK ||

Bad light forced an early exit of day's play as Bangladesh scored 158-4 at stumps on Day 3, still in need of 357 runs against India during the first Test in Chennai.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto put up a strong show against Indian bowlers on the notorious track at Chepauk. Shanto fought a lone battle and played a gritty knock of 51 runs in 60 deliveries including our boundaries and three sixes.

Shanto and Shakib al Hasan (5) remained unbeaten on the pitch at the close of the day.

Chasing the target, Bangladesh lost openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan after a promising start. Shadman reached 35 off 68 balls, before chipping the ball to short mid-wicket where Gill took the catch.

While, Zakir got caught at slip for 33, ending a 62-run opening stand. Following that, left-handed batter Mominul Haque got castled by Ravichandran Ashwin on 13 runs.

Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim became the highest International run-scorer for Bangladesh as he overtook Tamim Iqbal's 15,192 run record. However, it wasn't a memorable day for Mushfiq as he departed on 13 after a controversial catch by KL Rahul.

Ashwin claimed three wickets while Bumrah took one to account for the remainder of wickets.

Earlier, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant showcased their batting prowess with impressive centuries as India declared their innings at 287/4, with a 227-run lead from the first innings, setting the visitors a daunting target of 515 runs. 

India resumed the day on 81-3, Shubman and Pant led to a positive start and played comfortably to hit the triple-figure and put Bangladesh bowlers on the back foot. 

The Tigers spent a wicketless session before Lunch as overnight batters piled up a 177-run stand for the fourth wicket after getting slipped to 67-3 on Day 2.

Pant, who returned to international cricket after a hideous car accident scored 109 before getting dismissed by Mehidy Hasan with a return catch. Miraz scalped the most for Bangladesh.

Then Gill completed his fifth Test hundred, accompanied by KL Rahul who contributed 22 runs.  

Earlier, India scored 376  during the first innings with the help of Ravichandran Ashwin's magnificent 113 and a partnership of 199 runs with Jadeja's 86. However, in reply, the Tigers could muster only 149 runs, leaving a deficit of 227 runs.

The duo managed to lead a strong fight back against Bangladesh bowlers, especially Hasan Mahmud after being slumped to 144-6, who had put India in a tough position early on.

Hasan returned a figure of five wickets conceding 83 runs in 22.2 overs, marking his second five-wicket haul in just his fourth Test match.