IND vs BAN 1st Test, Day 1: Cheteshwar Pujara, Shreyas Iyer Take India To 278/6 Against Bangladesh

Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer came up with fighting half-centuries as India reached 278 for six at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh, in Chattogram on Wednesday.

Brilliant half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer and Cheteshwar Pujara with a partnership stand of 149-run guide India to 278/6 against Bangladesh on the first day of the opening Test of the two-match series in Chattogram at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday. At the end of day one, Iyer was batting unbeaten at 82 runs in 169 balls. Iyer and Pujara rise to the occasion and scored crucial half-centuries at a time when India was down and out.

India resumed their innings at 174/5, Pujara showed his attacking intent as he slammed Ebadot Hossain for a beautiful four runs. The duo of Iyer and Pujara kept piling runs while hitting boundaries at regular intervals. Pujara showed his masterclass as he brought up his gritty half-century in 125 balls with stunning back-to-back fours. This was Pujara's first century since January 2019.

In the 63rd over of the game, Iyer also brought up his much-needed fifty with an outstanding four in 93 balls. The duo continued kept piling runs, bringing up their 100-run partnership while taking India beyond the 200-run mark.

Iyer and Pujara kept rotating the strike as the vice-captain took a more aggressive role as the innings progressed. Bangladesh made several attempts but they were not successful to break the partnership.

Taijul Islam gave India a big blow as he dismissed well-set batter Pujara. Taijul finally broke the blistering partnership stand of 149-run between the Indian vice-captain and Iyer in the 85th over of the game. Pujara departed after playing an excellent knock of 90 off 203 deliveries.