Team India remain in a commanding position at the end of Day 3 of the 1st Test in Chennai, firmly setting their sights on a victory after declaring with a massive lead. After dominating with the bat, courtesy of centuries from young stars, India set a daunting target of 515 for Bangladesh. Despite a resilient start from Bangladesh’s openers, the Indian bowlers struck late in the day to leave the visitors struggling. With two days left in the match, India hold all the aces as they eye a comfortable win.

Blazing centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill

Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill both dazzled on Day 3, putting India in the driver’s seat with their well-paced centuries. Pant, making his return to Test cricket after 637 days, played a more measured knock compared to his usual aggressive style, reaching his sixth Test hundred in 124 deliveries. Gill, on the other hand, brought up his fifth Test century with a composed knock, reaching the milestone in 161 balls. The pair’s partnership helped India pile on the runs and set a mammoth target, leaving Bangladesh under immense pressure.

Bangladesh’s openers fight back

In response, Bangladesh showed resilience at the start of their second innings. The openers, Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, batted patiently and forged a crucial 50-run stand before tea, giving their team a fighting chance. However, their good start was short-lived as both openers fell in quick succession after the break.

Zakir was dismissed for the second time in the match by Jasprit Bumrah, with Yashasvi Jaiswal pulling off a stunning catch. Following that, Ravichandran Ashwin, who had gone wicketless in the first innings, made a strong comeback, picking up three vital wickets in the final session, further denting Bangladesh’s hopes.

Play ends early due to bad light

As the day neared its close, the lights came on in Chennai, and the umpires had a brief discussion before deciding to call off play due to bad light. Interestingly, Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj humorously mimicked bowling spin, but to no avail, as play was halted for the day.

The only shining light for Bangladesh wa Shanto, who fought back bravely with a well-constructed half-century. Shanto showed impressive footwork and used the sweep shot effectively against both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, offering some resistance to India’s bowlers.

Also WATCH: IND vs BAN 2024 – Rishabh Pant’s quirky coaching marks a hilarious moment in Chennai Test

Rain forecast looms but India push for victory

With rain predicted overnight and into the morning, there is some concern that the weather might affect the outcome. However, India’s bold declaration suggests they are confident of securing a win, regardless of the weather conditions. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if India can wrap up the match on Day 4 or if Bangladesh can pull off a miraculous fightback.

Here is how fans reacted

:

Bad light brings an end to the day’s play.

Bangladesh 158/4, need 357 runs more.

See you tomorrow for Day 4 action 👋

Scorecard – https://t.co/jV4wK7BgV2#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/7JWYRHXQuY

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 21, 2024

This is Ash Anna 🫶🏻
And it’s his Chepauk 🏟️💛
3⃣/6⃣3⃣#INDvBAN #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/dxddQqfSAv

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 21, 2024

Loved watching @ShubmanGill glide his way to a hundred. And @RishabhPant17, despite being away from the longer format for quite some time, looks as sharp as ever. Great to see both of them in such fine rhythm!#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/FIUd1bGVmp

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 21, 2024

Post Hyd Test v Eng last year, Gill & Shreyas were both vulnerable to being dropped on form. Gill turned a corner after that, Shreyas could not. Gill got 2 hundreds in that series. Showing us that he is a modern day, young cricketer who cares for Test cricket & keen on Test…

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 21, 2024

Gill’s biggest strength is the understanding of the match-situation and his own game…needed patience to convert this start into a three-figure score. And he did just that. Batted with a lot of discipline. Well done on the 5th Test hundred, champ 👏👏 #IndvBan

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 21, 2024

Rishabh Pant as a test player. #INDvBAN | #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/v9sELvHPpS

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) September 21, 2024

6️⃣3️⃣2️⃣ days of waiting… 🥹

Every second was worth it, Pant! 🔥#RishabhPant #INDvBAN #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/JZTwr2Za43

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 21, 2024

Need only 6️⃣ more wickets to win 👀💙#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/TB5782otfX

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 21, 2024

There’s simply no one else like him. Well played and welcome back @RishabhPant17, Test cricket missed you! #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/uDZDInr5cq

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 21, 2024

India 🆚 Bangladesh | 1st Test | Day 3
STUMPS | Bangladesh need 357 runs

PC: BCCI#BCB #Cricket #INDvBAN #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/YdA92dFuY6

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 21, 2024

Day 3, Stumps

Bad light ends the day’s play, Bangladesh need 357 more runs to win the 1st Test 🏏 #cricket #INDvBAN #chennai #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/iwm10EN5bQ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 21, 2024

Also READ: Fans go wild as Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill hit dazzling centuries as India gain control on Day 3 of the Chennai Test

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