The KL Rahul-led Indian team are competing against Bangladesh in the first Test that kicked off on December 14, Wednesday and at the stumps on Day 4, the Bangla Tigers were reeling at 272/6 chasing a target of 513 set by team India on the back of centuries from Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 3.
It was a tough day for the Indian pacers as they struggled early on in the day to pick wickets, eventually letting the momentum slip out of hands as the Bangladesh openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Zakir Hasan put on a 100-run stand for the first wicket. While Shanto made his way back to the dressing room after contributing 67 runs to Bangladesh’s scoreboard.
Hasan, on the other hand, scored a century to his name and it started the mighty collapse of the Bangla Tigers as they lost wickets in quick succession from thereon. Towards the end, it was Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan who remained unbeaten at 40 and 9 respectively. As far as the Indian bowlers are concerned, it was Axar Patel who stood up for the team with his three-for.
Can Bangladesh pull off Himalayan task?
As things stand, the Bangla Tigers are 241 runs away from clinching an epic win and the Shakib-led team cannot be undermined as they won the ODI series 2-1 against the mighty Indian camp when the least expected. With three sessions and 4 wickets in hand, the likes of Mehidy and Shakib are highly likely to give India a tough time on the final day of the Test.
However, the spinners will play a major role as the pitch is wearing and slowing down a bit, as compared to Day 1, with little to no effect for the pacers. It remains to be seen if Rahul and his men could restrict the Bangladeshi wrath and win the match to take an early lead in the two-match series.
The match is equally poised and either of the results is a possibility, although the chances for a draw looked bleak at the end of play on Saturday. As things stand, let us take a look at a few Twitter reactions to Day 4 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh:
Seems India is gonna do blunder tomorrow #INDvBAN #BANvIND
— Akbar (@akbarmajor) December 17, 2022
Good fight from Tigers Actually I thought they can't cross today #INDvBAN #BANvIND
— Irfan Irru (@Irfan_irru_17) December 17, 2022
We’re close. Tomorrow in the 1st session it will be our game? Bangladesh all out before lunch tomorrow! Common India. #INDvsBAN #BANvIND
— Respect_or_Regret | जय हिंद | जय महाराष्ट्र | 🚩 (@iTwistRules) December 17, 2022
I miss Kohli's aggressive captaincy... #BANvIND
— Aditya Jain (@adityajain2799) December 17, 2022
the way Kuldeep Yadav bowled, he should have got atleast 11 wickets in this innings by now#BANvIND
— Alok Shukla (@fcukTweetr) December 17, 2022
Its courageous by Bangladesh they headed the test match to day 5 #BANvIND
— Chirag Shah (@ichiragShAh) December 17, 2022
241 needed on day 5 with 4 wickets remaining.
— DIVYANSH¹⁷ ॐ (@ImDivyansh_17) December 17, 2022
A little more sensible batting and it could've been 180 needed with 6-7 wickets in hand, a huge chance missed by Bangladesh here. #BANvIND
Zakir Hasan with a century on debut against Bangladesh against quality spinners. Great moment for him and hope Bangladesh persist with him in the future.#BANvIND
— Younus Basheer (@YounusBashir__) December 17, 2022
Doesn't look like Bangladesh is trying to win now... they are just trying to save match.. will be difficult for Indian bowlers on last day... #BANvIND
— Gourav Rane (@IamGouravRane) December 17, 2022
Bangladesh taking the game into the fifth day of the test match is worrying in the context of Australian series. #BANvIND
— Ainkareswar (@kainkareswar) December 17, 2022
I think Bangladesh can still Win this test match. 241 runs required with 4 wickets in hand, sakib and mehndi are playing well.
— Bhola (@Bholababbarrr) December 17, 2022
I hope India can pick some quick wickets to end Bangladesh's innings. Interesting last day of a test match coming tomorrow .#BANvIND @WasimJaffer14
Aaj hi to run karne the re Babar ye to apne aap ko bachane wale runs hogye, yaha 150-200 karta to great batsman banta #BANvIND
— Gurjot Singh (@GurjotS85765670) December 17, 2022
Picked up only 6 wickets on the 4th entire day, I think bangladesh are fighting well. #INDvBAN #BANvIND
— King's View (@kingsview_s) December 17, 2022
Bhai Bangladesh se itna bada total chase mat Kara Lena 🫢#INDvBAN
— Taranveer Singh (@TARANVEERJASWAL) December 17, 2022