Photographs: Reuters
Gautam Gambhir registered his fifth century in five straight matches as India declared their second innings on 413 for 8 after tea on Day 4 of the first Test against Bangladesh on Wednesday.
It was the Delhi left-hander's his ninth Test hundred, which came off a huge six over long-on off Shakib Al Hassan.
In the process he joined an elite list that includes names like Jacques Kallis and Mohammad Yousuf. Only the legendary Sir Don Bradman has a better record -- six centuries in successive Tests.
Chasing an improbable 415 for victory, Bangladesh was precariously placed at 67 for two at stumps. They need need 348 runs more to win the Test, with eight of their second innings wickets intact.
The 28-year-old's second century against Bangladesh
Image: Gambhir is congratulated by Rahul DravidIt was also the 28-year-old's second century against Bangladesh, his first -- 139 in December 2004 -- coming on his Test debut on the same ground.
But he perished soon after, top-edging a Shafiul Islam delivery to Nafees at third man to give the bowler his maiden Test wicket. India 233 for three after 48 overs at that stage.
Gambhir's 116 came at almost a-run-a-ball (129 balls) and consisted of 10 hits to the fence and a huge one over it -- one which helped him reach his hundred.
Rubel Hossain halts Tendulkar surge
Image: Rubel Hossain celebrated the dismissal of TendulkarSachin Tendulkar (16) was dismissed soon after lunch. He tried to give India the momentum straightaway after the interval with a couple of boundaries off Rubel Hossain, the first a deliberate edge through the vacant second slip and then again to the midwicket two balls later.
But the bowler had the last laugh, trapping the Master Blaster plumb in front in his next over.
Tendulkar faced 26 balls for his 16 and hit two fours. India were reduced to 272 for five.
Zaheer gets quick runs
Image: Zaheer walks back after his stumps are shatteredThe new ball was taken just an over (Shafiul's) before the tea break, Zaheer Khan used the opportunity to slam the ball all over, helping himself to three boundaries in the process.
He continued swatting his bat after tea before Shakib Al Hasan cleaned him up with a straighter one. He was out for 20 off 17 deliveries and India were 394 for eight.
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