Sun Sep 22 06:50:41 UTC 2024: ## India Dominate Bangladesh in First Test: Century Stand by Gill and Pant Sets Up Massive Target
**Chennai, India:** India took control of the first Test against Bangladesh, setting a massive 515-run target for the visitors after a dominant day three at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The hosts, who were struggling at 34/3 early on, were propelled by centuries from Shubman Gill (119*) and Rishabh Pant (109) to declare their second innings at 287/4.
The duo, who shared a 167-run partnership for the fourth wicket, took Bangladesh’s bowling apart with some ruthless hitting. Gill, in a light-hearted moment during the post-match press conference, recalled Pant’s enthusiasm during their century celebrations, where he was trying to touch Gill’s bat. “I was telling him not (to hit his bat). Because I am playing with a bat which I used in the England series, so my bat is quite old actually, and he was hitting my bat so hard that I was telling him that ‘I am trying to save my bat’,” Gill shared with a smile.
Earlier in the day, India’s first innings was built around a 199-run partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) after a top-order collapse. Bangladesh, who won the toss and elected to field, were unable to contain the Indian batsmen, with Hasan Mahmud (5/83) being the pick of the bowlers.
In reply, Bangladesh were bowled out for 149 in their first innings, with Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19) taking crucial wickets.
Bangladesh started their chase well, with openers Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) putting on a 62-run opening stand. However, wickets fell regularly thereafter, with Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) the only significant contributor. At the end of the day, Bangladesh were 158/4, still a massive 357 runs away from victory.
With the Indian bowlers looking in fine form and the pitch showing signs of wear and tear, Bangladesh face a daunting task to salvage the match on Day 4.
First Piper 