India’s dominance at Fatullah was further frustrated by rain on the third day of the one-off Test against Bangladesh, which now seems all set to end in a draw. After the second day was entirely washed away by rain, only 47.3 overs were possible during the match on Friday. During this phase, Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay extended their partnership to 283. Dhawan fell for 173 while Vijay went on to complete his sixth Test century. After a couple of quick wickets, Ajinkya Rahane raced away to 98, and wen rain brought play to a halt, India were 462 for 6.
Shakib Al Hasan claimed four wickets for Bangladesh, but it was mostly because India were going for their shots. India lost wickets in a heap as they went in search for quick runs owing to the constant rain interruptions. Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed very close to each other while Vijay’s dismissal was followed by those of Wriddhiman Saha and Rahane. The for wickets column tell a story in itself. Dhawan fell with the score on 283, and by the time Kohli was out, the score was only past 300. The second set of three scalps fell within 30 runs of each other.
With rain lurking around the corner, Dhawan went for his runs. He added a couple of boundaries to his overnight score, but had a couple of lucky escapes as deliveries missed deep midwicket, but not by much. He was eventually dismissed for 173, a leading edge landing in Shakib’s hands. Rohit was also out soon after, playing a loose drive, and was bowled through the gap. Skipper Kohli hit a couple of crisp drives, but edged a googly from Jubair Hossain on to the stumps.
The entry of Rahane brought India back on track. He immediately got into the run-scoring act as the spinners provided him easy scoring opportunities. At the other end, Vijay carried on after completing his ton, and went on to complete his 150. He was eventually out lbw, playing a sweep stroke. As India pushed for a declaration, Rahane hit consecutive fours off Shakib to move from 90 to 98, but looking to hit a third one was clean bowled. The rain came soon after, and the frustrating times returned.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
