Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant Put India In Command Against Afghanistan

Picture Credit: Associated Press/BCCI

India continued to dominate the one-off Test against Afghanistan on the second morning, moving to 475/6 in 110 overs by lunch.

Skipper Shubman Gill produced a brilliant 126, while Rishabh Pant chipped in with an entertaining 81 before both batters were dismissed.

Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 14 at the interval, with debutant Manav Suthar providing support on nine not out.

After resuming his innings on 103 not out, Gill carried on confidently and added valuable runs to his overnight score.

The right-hander eventually departed for 126 from 177 deliveries when Mohammad Saleem Safi rewarded Afghanistan with a crucial breakthrough.

Pant also looked comfortable throughout his innings, balancing patience with aggressive stroke-making.

The wicketkeeper-batter fell for 81 from 121 balls after mistiming an attacking shot, handing Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi the first Test wicket of his career.

Afghanistan created several opportunities but failed to capitalise fully due to missed review calls.

Gill survived a close leg-before appeal, while Pant escaped after edging behind, with neither decision referred despite indications that both could have been overturned.

Wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai appeared frustrated as Afghanistan overlooked key chances to use the Decision Review System effectively.

Safi spearheaded Afghanistan’s resistance by removing both Gill and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession.

Jurel played positively for his 19 off 20 balls before a delivery that jagged back sharply breached his defence.

Although Afghanistan slowed India’s progress during the session, the hosts remained firmly in command.

Sundar and Suthar negotiated the remaining overs safely and prevented further setbacks before lunch.

Brief Scores

India 475/6 in 110 overs (Shubman Gill 126, KL Rahul 100, Rishabh Pant 81; Mohammad Saleem Safi 4/109, Hashmatullah Shahidi 1/70) against Afghanistan.

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Bishal Singh