Sun Sep 22 12:50:57 UTC 2024: ## Ashwin’s Six-Wicket Haul Propels India to Crushing Victory Over Bangladesh in Chennai
Chennai, India – Ravichandran Ashwin’s exceptional performance with both bat and ball secured India a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The off-spinner claimed six wickets to dismantle Bangladesh for 234 in the second innings, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Ashwin, who earlier registered his fourth double of a Test hundred and five wickets in the same match, cemented his status as a true all-rounder. His six-wicket haul also equaled Shane Warne’s record of 37 five-wicket hauls, placing him second only to Muttiah Muralitharan (67).
Despite a spirited resistance from Bangladesh opener Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 82 runs, India’s spinners remained relentless. Ashwin’s crucial breakthrough of dismissing Shakib Al Hasan in his first over of the day ended a defiant 48-run partnership, setting the stage for a Bangladesh collapse.
Ravindra Jadeja, who shared nine wickets with Ashwin, proved equally effective. He dismissed Litton Das with a sharp edge to Rohit Sharma at first slip, triggering further wickets for India.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of patience and the role Ashwin played in their success.
“He’s always there for us over the years,” Sharma said of Ashwin. “He looks like he’s never out of the game. He batted up the order and that helped.”
Bangladesh, who had the upper hand on the first day, were left to rue their inability to capitalize on a strong start. Their batting performance, particularly in the second innings, was inadequate against the Indian bowlers, particularly Ashwin and Jadeja.
The match was notable for the 199-run partnership between Ashwin and Jadeja in the first innings, which rescued India from a precarious 144/6. Their performance in the second innings, however, overshadowed this monumental stand.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged India’s dominance while also highlighting positives from his team’s performance, particularly the bowling of Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud.
“The biggest positive is how Taskin and Hasan bowled in the first 2-3 hours,” Shanto said. “We’ve bowled really well with the new ball but need to continue that. Kanpur is important. Bowlers did well, I hope batters do too.”
The series now shifts to Kanpur, where the second Test begins on September 27th. Bangladesh will be aiming for a turnaround in their performance to level the series, while India will look to seal a series victory.
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