Ravichandran Ashwin’s exceptional feat of scoring a hundred and taking six wickets in a single match has propelled India to a commanding 1-0 lead in their Test series against Bangladesh. This performance underscored Ashwin’s unmatched versatility, as he showcased both his batting prowess and bowling dominance. In this post, we will explore the key highlights of the match, analyze Ashwin’s record-setting performance, and assess what it means for the rest of the series.
Introduction
In a thrilling Test match at Chepauk, Ravichandran Ashwin’s hundred and six-for became the defining factor in India’s comprehensive 280-run victory over Bangladesh. His all-round brilliance was on full display, as he contributed significantly with both bat and ball. This outstanding effort not only emphasized Ashwin’s value to the Indian team but also placed him among the elite in cricketing history.
Ashwin’s record-breaking performance marks a key moment for India as they take the lead in the Bangladesh Tour of India 2024-25, setting the stage for the rest of the series. Let’s dive into how the game unfolded.
Match Overview
India started strong, posting a formidable total of 376 runs in their first innings. Ravichandran Ashwin played a vital role, scoring an impressive 113. He was ably supported by Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 86 runs. This crucial partnership ensured that India set a competitive target, despite some good bowling from Bangladesh’s Ebadot Hossain and Mahmud Hasan, who took five wickets.
In reply, Bangladesh crumbled under India’s relentless bowling attack and were bowled out for a paltry 149 runs. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with four wickets, while Jadeja added two more to his tally. However, it was Ashwin’s exceptional six-wicket haul in Bangladesh’s second innings that stole the show, dismissing them for 234 runs and sealing India’s massive victory.
For those interested in following the match results, the full scorecard can be viewed in the fixtures and results section of the series.
Ashwin’s Historic Achievement
A Milestone Performance
Ashwin’s remarkable fourth double of a hundred and a five-for in the same Test match has placed him among the legends of the game. This was his second consecutive match at Chepauk where he achieved such a feat.
By claiming six wickets in Bangladesh’s second innings, Ashwin has now tied with the great Shane Warne in terms of five-wicket hauls (37), and only Muttiah Muralidaran (67) is ahead of him. His 37th five-wicket haul also took him past Courtney Walsh on the all-time wicket-takers’ list, securing his place as one of cricket’s finest all-rounders.
This historic moment came as Ashwin bowled Shakib Al Hasan, breaking Bangladesh’s resistance. From that point, it was Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja who dominated the game with their spin-bowling partnership. If you’re looking for more detailed player stats, check the squads for the series.
The Turning Point
The match took a decisive turn on the fourth morning, where Bangladesh’s resistance, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, was finally broken. Shanto had kept the Indian bowlers at bay with a fighting knock of 82, but once Ashwin and Jadeja got into the action, it was only a matter of time before Bangladesh’s batting collapsed.
In his very first over on day four, Ashwin trapped Shakib Al Hasan with a sharp, drifting delivery, drawing an edge to Yashasvi Jaiswal at short leg. This breakthrough opened the floodgates. Ashwin’s magic continued, with wickets falling at regular intervals, including a crucial dismissal of Litton Das, who edged Jadeja to slip.
Ashwin’s six-for wasn’t just about wickets – his precise control and variations with flight and turn kept the Bangladeshi batsmen guessing throughout. For a complete breakdown of Ashwin’s career and current stats in the Test Championship, refer to the ICC World Test Championship official page.
Key Moments and Partnerships
One of the most crucial moments in the match was the partnership between Ashwin and Jadeja during India’s first innings. Coming in at a time when Bangladesh had the upper hand with the ball, the pair added vital runs that took the game away from Bangladesh. Their partnership of 121 runs not only lifted India to a strong total but also set the psychological tone for the match.
With the ball, the Ashwin-Jadeja combination proved lethal once again. While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj built pressure early on with pace, it was the spinners who did the real damage. Jadeja’s tight lines and quick pace complemented Ashwin’s guile and variations, making it difficult for the Bangladesh batsmen to settle.
Match Analysis
Bowling Dominance
India’s bowling attack was ruthless throughout the match. Ashwin’s mastery of spin was on full display, as he continuously troubled the batsmen with sharp turn, drift, and bounce from the Chepauk surface. The right-handed batsmen particularly struggled against Ashwin, who consistently outfoxed them with his clever variations.
Meanwhile, Jadeja played his role to perfection, maintaining pressure from the other end and picking up crucial wickets.
Their combined efforts ensured that Bangladesh could not build any meaningful partnerships in either innings, resulting in a comfortable win for India.
Batting Resilience
India’s batsmen also played their part in the victory. The innings was anchored by Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 119 and Rishabh Pant’s quickfire 109, which allowed India to declare their second innings on 287 for 4, setting Bangladesh an improbable target. The fact that Ashwin and Jadeja played such pivotal roles with the bat in the first innings shows how valuable their contributions were across all departments.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin’s hundred and six-for in this Test match not only secured a significant victory for India but also cemented his legacy as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. His dual brilliance with the bat and ball was crucial in taking India to a 1-0 lead in the series against Bangladesh.
As the series continues, India will look to capitalize on this momentum, with Ashwin playing a central role. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and rethink their strategy if they are to pose a challenge in the upcoming matches.
What are your thoughts on Ashwin’s record-breaking performance? Do you think India can maintain their dominance for the rest of the series? Share your opinions and thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth cricket analyses!
