India take control of Bangla test

Gautam Gambhir closed in on a rapid half-century as India raced to 122-1 in their second innings at stumps on the third day of the opening Test against Bangladesh yesterday.

The opener (47 not out) added 90 for the opening wicket with stand-in captain Virender Sehwag (45) after India had narrowly avoided conceding the lead to Bangladesh for the first time in six Tests.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 242 in their first innings shortly after tea in reply to India's 243. Mohammad Mahmudullah hit an impressive 69 for his maiden half-century. He put on 108 for the seventh wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim (44) to raise his team's hopes of gaining the lead.

The hosts were tottering at 98-6 before being revived by Mahmudullah and Rahim, but three late wickets by Indian leg-spinner Mishra saw them concede the lead.

Bangladesh failed to cope with India's pace in the morning, when they lost three wickets.

 

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