India dominated Afghanistan on Day 2 of their one-off Test match in Mullanpur, posting a massive 564 for 8 before reducing the visitors to 28 for 1 at tea. Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made history by taking his first Test wicket in the opening over of his career, while India’s batsmen continued their onslaught with centuries from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.
Debutant Suthar’s Historic Wicket
Manav Suthar’s maiden Test wicket came in the fourth ball of his debut, as Afghanistan’s Abdul Malik top-edged a sweep to Mohammed Siraj’s diving catch. This feat placed Suthar in an exclusive list of Indian cricketers to take a wicket in their first over of Test cricket, joining legends like Montu Banerjee and Tinu Yohannan. The 23-year-old, who received his Test cap from Kuldeep Yadav, became India’s first specialist spin-bowling debutant since Axar Patel in 2021. His arrival marked a significant moment for India’s spin department, as he capitalized on Afghanistan’s inexperienced bowling attack.
According to The Times of India, Suthar’s wicket was not just a personal milestone but a historic one, ending a 25-year gap since Tinu Yohannan’s similar achievement in 2001.
India’s Dominant Batting Performance
India’s first-innings total of 564 for 8 was built on a foundation of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling. Shubman Gill scored a vital 126, while KL Rahul added a century, setting the stage for a commanding lead. Rishabh Pant’s 81 and Washington Sundar’s 52 not out further solidified India’s position, with the team declaring their innings 196 runs ahead of Afghanistan. The visitors’ struggles were evident as they lost three wickets in the morning session, including the key dismissals of Gill and Dhruv Jurel by Afghanistan’s Mohammad Saleem.
ESPNcricinfo reported that Saleem’s five-wicket haul (4/109) was crucial, as he exploited the pitch conditions and India’s middle order. However, India’s batsmen adapted well to the challenging heat, with Gill and Rahul’s centuries highlighting their resilience.
Afghanistan’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Afghanistan’s bowling attack, led by Ziaur Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai, failed to capitalize on the conditions, allowing India to build a massive lead. The visitors also faced criticism for their decision-making, particularly in the first session when they missed a DRS review after KL Rahul edged a delivery. Despite clear evidence of the edge, Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose not to review, a decision that cost them a crucial opportunity to derail India’s innings.
The Hindu noted that Afghanistan’s lack of experience and inconsistent bowling were key factors in their early struggles. The team’s reliance on spin, particularly after lunch, did not yield results as India’s batsmen continued to rotate the strike efficiently.
Key Moments and Player Performances
The match saw several pivotal moments, including Suthar’s wicket and India’s declaration. Washington Sundar’s 52 not out and Mohammed Siraj’s 22 provided stability, while Saleem’s five-wicket haul underscored Afghanistan’s efforts. On the flip side, Afghanistan’s Abdul Malik and Sediqullah Atal were the only batsmen to reach double figures at tea, with the latter on 11. The day’s play concluded with India’s dominance, setting the stage for a decisive final session.
The Indian Express highlighted the contrasting performances, noting that India’s batting depth and Afghanistan’s inconsistent bowling were the defining features of the day.
What’s Next for the Match
With Afghanistan trailing by 536 runs, the focus now shifts to their second innings. The visitors will need to bat longer to avoid an innings defeat, but their current position suggests a challenging road ahead. India’s bowlers, particularly Saleem and Omarzai, will look to exploit the pitch conditions, while Afghanistan’s spinners will need to find consistency. The match, which began on June 6, will conclude on June 10, with India aiming to wrap up the game swiftly.
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