Mominul Haque’s Century Keeps Bangladesh Competitive in Kanpur Test
Mominul Haque’s remarkable innings of 102 not out showcased his class and determination as he led Bangladesh’s fightback on the fourth day of the second Test against India in Kanpur. This century marked Mominul’s 13th Test hundred and was crucial for Bangladesh, especially after the visitors lost three significant wickets in the morning session.
After losing a total of 55 overs on the first day and experiencing two full days of rain delays, play finally resumed on the fourth day under bright and sunny conditions. The anticipation was palpable as the players returned to the field, but the first hour proved to be a challenging period due to the pitch being covered for an extended time.
The Indian bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, opened the bowling for the hosts, and both pacers were quick to exploit the conditions. They generated extravagant movement early on, making it difficult for the Bangladesh batsmen to settle in. While the pitch did not offer much carry, the excessive swing required the visitors’ batters to remain vigilant.
Mominul, who had displayed composure earlier in the match, continued to do so as he faced the Indian attack. His shot selection and judgment of off-stump deliveries were commendable. However, Mushfiqur Rahim struggled to find his rhythm, falling victim to a sharp nip-backer from Bumrah. Rahim’s decision to offer no stroke resulted in an early breakthrough for India, adding to the visitors’ woes.
Next at the crease was Litton Das, who seemed eager to make an impact right from the start. He began aggressively, striking three well-controlled boundaries in an over off Bumrah. Unfortunately, Litton’s ambitious approach soon backfired. Attempting to launch a full delivery from Mohammed Siraj down the ground, he mistimed the shot, and Indian captain Rohit Sharma showcased his exceptional fielding skills by taking a spectacular one-handed catch at mid-off.
The Indian fielding was on display again as Shakib Al Hasan attempted to loft a delivery, only for Siraj to complete another stunning catch while tumbling backward. The dismissal of these key players added pressure on Mominul, but he remained steadfast in the face of adversity.
Despite the chaos surrounding him, Mominul showed a positive intent, working diligently to keep the scoreboard moving. As the day progressed, the pitch appeared to ease up, providing a more favorable batting surface. However, the Bangladesh batters were guilty of a lack of urgency, aside from Mominul’s resolute efforts.
With Mominul anchoring the innings, Bangladesh found some stability after a tumultuous start. His century not only bolstered the team’s total but also offered hope for a competitive second innings. Mominul’s innings was characterized by a blend of patience and aggression, as he effectively rotated the strike and capitalized on loose deliveries.
At the end of the day’s play, Bangladesh’s score stood at 205 for 6, with Mominul unbeaten on 102. Akash Deep and Ravichandran Ashwin proved to be effective for India, each taking two wickets, with Deep claiming figures of 2 for 43 and Ashwin 2 for 45.
As Bangladesh looks to build on this foundation, Mominul’s performance will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the match. The team hopes to capitalize on the hard work of their standout batsman, as they seek to challenge India in the remaining sessions of the Test.
With the series finely poised and both teams keen to secure a victory, Mominul’s hundred serves as a reminder of the resilience required in Test cricket. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the Kanpur Test, with Bangladesh hoping to stay afloat thanks to their captain’s inspirational display.
