India in command with Bangladesh chasing 513 target

Chattogram, Dec. 17: Opener Shubhman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara hit centuries as India moved into a favorable position to win the first cricket test after setting Bangladesh an improbable target of 513 on Friday.

Gill hit his maiden century and scored 110 from 152 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes, while Pujara was not out on 102 to steer India to 258-2 before declaring the second innings. Bangladesh then navigated 12 overs successfully to reach 42-0 and reduced the deficit to 471 runs, with Najmul Hossain batting on 25 with Zakir Hasan on 17.

India racked up 404 in its first innings and then bowled Bangladesh out for 150, taking a 254-run lead. Gill and captain KL Rahul gave the side a solid start in order to set a target out of Bangladesh’s reach, adding 70 runs.

Pacer Khaled Ahmed had Rahul caught by Taijul Islam at fine leg with a short-pitched delivery on 23 to make the breakthrough. But Gill and Pujara hardly faced any challenge from the Bangladesh attack, which was without the service of fast bowler Ebadot Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan due to back pain.

Gill brought up his maiden century off 147 balls, hitting offspinner Mehidy Hasan for a boundary through  mid-on. But he was dismissed by the same bowler shortly after that, trying to pace the innings.

Pujara, who completed his half-century off 87 balls, took the anchor role and brought up the next fifty off just 43 balls as he raised his hundred off 130 balls with a boundary through mid-on from left-arm spinner Taijul Islam delivery.

It was the fastest of 19 test centuries. India declared the innings right after his century, with Virat Kohli on 19 at the other end. (AP)