Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin scored an unbeaten and record-breaking 42 runs and shared 71 runs partnership with Shreyas Iyer (29 not out) to lead India to a famous three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second and final Test in Dhaka on Sunday.
If reports are anything to go by, Ashwin’s score was the highest by a No. 9 batter in a successful run chase in Test cricket. He beat a 34-year-old record which was held by West Indies’ Winston Benjamin. The West Indian had scored 40 not out in a winning cause at No. 9 against Pakistan way back in 1988.
The off-spinner once again showed his mettle with the bat to take India past the finish line in one of the most thrilling run-chases in Test history.
Ashwin joined forces with Iyer to save India the blushes and help the visitors beat the hosts to sweep the series 2-0.
Indian cricket fans woke up to a Christmas miracle as Ashwin and Iyer teamed up after India were seven down for 74. Both of them forged an unbroken partnership to complete the 145-run chase.
Ashwin was deservingly adjudged player of the match for his heroics with the bat and ball. During the match, Ashwin also completed 3,000 Test runs to go along with his 447 wickets in the format. He became the second quickest all-rounder after New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee to achieve the double of 3,000 runs and 400 plus wickets in Test cricket.