• Akash Deep's back-to-back wickets left Bangladesh reeling in their first innings on Day 2 of the Chennai Test.

  • Bangladesh were 26/3 at the end of the first session.

WATCH: Akash Deep strikes twice in an over to dismiss Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque | IND vs BAN 2024, first Test
Akash Deep's back-to-back wickets (Image Source: X)

On Day 2 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh, Akash Deep delivered a game-changing performance, claiming two back-to-back wickets in a sensational over, leaving Bangladesh reeling early in their first innings of Bangladesh’s tour of India in 2024, as Akash’s fiery spell has put India firmly in control.

Akash, playing in only his second Test match, stunned Bangladesh’s batting lineup during the 9th over of their innings. With his lethal pace and accuracy, he dismantled both Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque in consecutive deliveries, sending shockwaves through the visitors’ camp.

Zakir Hasan falls to a perfect delivery of Akash Deep

The first breakthrough came on the very first ball of the 9th over. Akash bowled a beautiful delivery that angled into Zakir from wide of the crease. Zakir, batting on 3 off 22 balls, was slow to come forward in defense, leaving a slight gap between bat and pad. The ball zipped through, knocking over the middle stump and flattening it. The Indian players erupted in celebration as Zakir walked back to the pavilion, and even former Indian captain Gautam Gambhir, watching from the stands, could be seen smiling at the remarkable delivery.

Akash dismisses Mominul Haque on a golden duck

Akash’s confidence soared after Zakir’s dismissal, and he struck again immediately. On the very next ball, he sent Mominul packing for a golden duck. The ball nipped back in sharply, beating Mominul’s forward defense, hitting his pad, and crashing into the off stump. It was a textbook dismissal for a fast bowler, with Mominul completely beaten for pace. Even if the ball hadn’t hit the stumps, it would have been plumb LBW. Akash, pumped with adrenaline, punched the air in celebration, and India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel couldn’t hide his satisfaction, smiling widely.

With two wickets in two balls, Akash was on a hat-trick, but Mushfiqur Rahim who came to bat after the Mominul’s dismissal, managed to survive the next delivery. Nonetheless, his double blow had already inflicted significant damage on Bangladesh’s batting.

Here is the video:

Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah rattles Shadman Islam’s stumps with an unplayable ball on Day 2 of the 1st Test | IND vs BAN

India dominates early on Day 2

Earlier, India posted a total of 376 in their first innings, thanks to a magnificent century from Ravichandran Ashwin and a valuable half-century by Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin’s composed knock guided India to a strong total, while Jadeja provided crucial support in the middle order.

By lunch on Day 2, Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 26 for 3 after nine overs, still trailing India by 350 runs. The top order’s collapse, highlighted by Akash’s sensational spell, has left the visitors with an uphill battle in the remainder of the match.

With India in a commanding position, Bangladesh will need a remarkable effort to claw their way back into the contest. As the match progresses, all eyes will remain on Akash, whose brilliant bowling has already tilted the balance heavily in India’s favor.

Also READ: Fans react as Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja lead India’s recovery on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh

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