Chennai, Sep 21 (V7N)— India continues to pile on runs in the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh, building a commanding lead of 432 runs by the midday break on the third day. Bangladesh, bowled out for a modest 149 runs in their first innings, faces a daunting task ahead.

Starting the third day on Saturday at 81 for 3 in their second innings, India already had a 308-run lead with seven wickets in hand. By the break, opener Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant had further strengthened India’s position. The pair formed an unbroken partnership of 138 runs for the fourth wicket, with Gill at 86 not out and Pant unbeaten on 82.

Gill achieved his seventh Test half-century early in the day, while Pant brought up his 12th Test fifty after 21 months of play in the longest format. Both players continued to pile on the pressure against Bangladesh’s bowling attack, hitting a combined total of 12 fours and 6 sixes.

Earlier in the innings, India's top order wobbled briefly on the second day, ending at 81 for 3. Bangladesh's bowlers Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mehdi Hasan Miraz each claimed a wicket, but the visitors struggled to make further breakthroughs as India’s lead extended to 432 runs.

India chose not to enforce the follow-on after dismissing Bangladesh for 149 in their first innings, opting instead to bat again. With Bangladesh facing a huge deficit, the pressure is mounting as India pushes for a possible declaration to set up a victory target.

Bangladesh, led by captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto, will need an extraordinary effort to stay in the game as the hosts continue their dominance on the third day.

END/AJ/RH