Picture Credit: BCCI/Associated Press
India remained firmly in control of the one-off Test after Washington Sundar’s impressive spell reduced Afghanistan to 98/5 in their second innings by the tea interval on the third day at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.
After conceding a 415-run lead and losing all ten wickets for 152 in their first innings, Afghanistan responded with far greater resilience in their second innings and fought back with greater determination at the crease.
Starting the session on 18 without loss, the visitors looked intent on playing with greater freedom and confidence.
Opening batter Sediqullah Atal continued his encouraging form, combining patience with calculated aggression to frustrate the Indian bowlers.
Together with Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal put together Afghanistan’s most productive opening stand against India in Test cricket.
Mohammed Siraj broke the partnership by trapping Abdul Malik’s leg before the wicket for 8 after maintaining sustained pressure with disciplined bowling.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz then shifted the momentum briefly in Afghanistan’s favour, attacking both spin and pace with confidence. His entertaining 24-run knock from just 24 deliveries included several boundaries and a six.
India regained control when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Gurbaz, whose attempt to clear the field resulted in a catch for Prasidh Krishna in the deep.
Rahmat Shah looked set to continue Afghanistan’s fightback and even launched Sundar over the ropes, but the spinner responded by forcing a miscued shot that was safely caught in the field.
Sundar struck again shortly afterwards. He dismissed skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, who edged a turning delivery to first slip. Shubman Gill completed a well-judged catch.
The off-spinner capped off an outstanding session by dismissing Atal on the final ball before tea.
The left-hander’s determined knock of 42 came to an end when he sliced a lofted stroke to Prasidh Krishna. His dismissal left Afghanistan at 98/5. The team still trailed India’s total by 314 runs.
Brief Scores
India 564/8 declared; Afghanistan 152 and 98/5 in the follow-on, trailing by 314 runs.
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