Gill, Pujara hit tons as India dominate Bangladesh in first Test

Saturday, 17 December 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Shubman Gill with Cheteshwar Pujara

CHITTAGONG, AFP: Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara each struck a century as India took control of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Friday.

The visitors declared their second innings on 258-2 in the third session of the third day to set the home side a daunting 513-run target.

Bangladesh were all out for 150 runs in their first innings, leaving India the overwhelming favourites to secure victory.

India’s skipper K.L. Rahul called back his batsmen once Pujara brought up his 19th Test hundred with a four off Taijul Islam soon after their lead surpassed the 500-run mark.

Pujara, who scored 90 in India’s first innings total of 404, was unbeaten on 102 after smashing 13 fours, with former skipper Virat Kohli 19 not out at the other end.

Gill earlier completed his maiden Test century before he was dismissed by Mehidy for 110.

Bangladesh survived the day unscathed in their second innings, reaching 42-0 at stumps to leave them still needing another 471 runs to pull off the unlikeliest of victories.

Najmul Hossain and debutant Zakir Hasan will resume on 25 and 17 respectively on the fourth day.

India earlier bowled Bangladesh out cheaply to take a sizeable 254-run first innings lead but decided not to enforce the follow-on.