Kanpur, Sep 30 (Representative) Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at 26/2 by stumps on the fourth day of the second Test against India, losing opener Zakir Hasan and nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud to Ravichandran Ashwin in a tricky final session. Zakir fell to a textbook off-spinner’s delivery, while Mahmud’s dismissal came off a reckless shot that compounded the visitors’ woes as they ended the day under pressure. India’s aggressive intent earlier in the day had put them firmly on top. KL Rahul’s blistering 68 off 43 balls led a batting assault that saw the hosts declare at 285/9 after just under 35 overs. Rahul, alongside Virat Kohli (47 off 35), shared a crucial 87-run stand that left the Bangladesh attack shell-shocked. The foundation for India’s rapid scoring had been laid post-lunch by Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose 51-ball 72, coupled with Rohit Sharma’s cameo of 23 off 11 balls, set the tone.
Shubman Gill chipped in with a quick 39 off 36, while a promotion for Rishabh Pant didn’t work out as expected.India’s declaration at a scoring rate of 8.22 runs per over was a statement of intent, leaving Bangladesh to face a challenging few overs before stumps. Spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4-41) and Shakib Al Hasan (4-78) picked up wickets but couldn’t stop the Indian onslaught.Earlier in the day, Bangladesh had collapsed from 224-6 to 233 all out despite Mominul Haque’s gritty, unbeaten 107. Jasprit Bumrah (3-50) and Ravindra Jadeja, who completed 300 Test wickets, were instrumental in India wrapping up the innings quickly. With Bangladesh still trailing by 26 runs and down two early wickets, India heads into the final day with the momentum, poised to push for a dramatic victory. Brief scores: Bangladesh 233 and 26/2 (Ravichandran Ashwin 2-14) trail India 285/9 decl. (Yashasvi Jaiswal 72, KL Rahul 68; Mehidy Hasan 4-41, Shakib Al Hasan 4-78) by 26 runs.