Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud delivered a fiery spell in the opening hour of the Chennai Test, taking three crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli.
His early breakthroughs gave Bangladesh a significant edge over India.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bowl first, banking on the early moisture in the wicket to favor their pace attack. Hasan didn’t disappoint.
His first victim was Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who edged an angled delivery to the slip cordon while attempting to play a defensive stroke.
Next, Hasan sent Shubman Gill back with a full-length ball that was nicked to the wicketkeeper.
The highlight of the morning came when Hasan claimed the wicket of Virat Kohli, India's star batter. Kohli tried to drive an outside-off delivery but only managed a thick edge, safely pouched by the keeper.
Hasan’s three wickets in the first hour left India reeling at 50 for 3 after 14 overs, with all the dismissals coming from his inspired bowling.
Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first at Chennai, a rare move not seen in a Test match at this venue since 1982, paid off handsomely thanks to Hasan's sensational start.