Manav Suthar Strikes On Debut As India Tighten Grip On Afghanistan

India further asserted their dominance over Afghanistan by ending their innings at 564/8 declared on the second day of the one-off Test in New Chandigarh.

The visitors then lost an early wicket and moved to 28/1 before the tea break.

Washington Sundar played a vital role in the lower order, remaining unbeaten on 52 to record his sixth Test half-century.

Mohammed Siraj also entertained with an aggressive knock of 22 from only 12 balls before falling to Mohammad Saleem Safi.

Afghanistan found encouragement through Safi, who produced the best bowling figures of the innings with 6/140. His disciplined use of the second new ball and ability to exploit variable bounce helped limit further damage.

India’s sizeable total rested on captain Shubman Gill’s impressive 126, supported by major contributions from KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant.

Their collective efforts helped the hosts score at a brisk pace and place the innings among India’s quickest 500-plus totals in Test cricket.

Afghanistan’s opening pair, Abdul Malik and Sediqullah Atal, started confidently and found regular boundaries against the Indian seamers. Malik looked in particularly good touch during his brief innings.

Seeking a breakthrough before tea, Gill handed the ball to debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar.

The youngster responded immediately when Malik mistimed a sweep shot and offered a catch to Siraj, who completed a sharp take in the field.

The wicket sparked jubilant celebrations among the Indian players and gave Suthar a memorable first success in Test cricket.

Atal remained unbeaten at tea, but Afghanistan still face a daunting challenge as they attempt to reduce a substantial deficit against a confident Indian bowling attack.

Brief Scores

India 564/8 declared in 127 overs; Afghanistan 28/1 in 5.4 overs, trailing by 536 runs.

Also Read: Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant Put India In Command Against Afghanistan