India 8/564 declared; Afghanistan 5/113
New Chandigarh: India are playing a Test match against Afghanistan after eight years, and it is also the first-ever Test at the New Chandigarh venue. On Sunday, debutant Rajasthan spinner Manav Suthar (15.5-7-21-3) delivered a sensational spell, taking three wickets and putting Afghanistan under serious pressure.
Afghanistan ended Day 2 at 113 for 5 in their first innings, still trailing India by 451 runs after the hosts declared at a commanding 8/564.
Suthar, a left-arm spinner, bowled 12 overs in a two-hour post-tea session, conceding just 20 runs while striking twice to dent
Afghanistan’s batting order.
Afghanistan’s batters looked unsettled as India tightened their grip on the match, moving closer to an innings victory.
The fifth wicket fell late in the day, after which play was stopped due to fading light. Of the five wickets to fall, three were claimed by debutant Manav Suthar, while experienced pacer Prasidh Krishna took two.
Rahmat Shah was unbeaten on 43 when stumps were drawn.
Suthar troubled the Afghan batters with his flight, drift and sharp turn, drawing comparisons to Harbhajan Singh’s style of bowling. His ability to vary angles and generate drift in the air consistently troubled the opposition.
Early breakthrough and stunning debut moment
Captain Shubman Gill handed the new ball to Suthar after initially relying on Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. The decision paid immediate dividends as Suthar struck in just his fourth delivery, dismissing opener Abdul Malik (16), caught by Siraj, who ran in from the covers to complete a sharp catch.
Rishabh Pant’s chatter and second wicket
Suthar later removed experienced Rahmanullah Gurbaz (12), caught by Sai Sudharsan. His third wicket came when wicketkeeper-batter Afsar Zazai (3) was caught off his own bowling in the final phase of the day. Zazai, playing his 10th Test, was reportedly distracted during the delivery, with Rishabh Pant’s constant chatter behind the stumps possibly affecting his concentration.
India’s dominant first innings
India declared at 8/564, built on centuries from captain Shubman Gill (126) and KL Rahul (100). Sai Sudharsan (81) and Rishabh Pant (81) also made significant contributions. Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 52, while debutant Manav Suthar added a valuable 28 runs, including two sixes and two fours, sharing a 54-run partnership with Sundar for the seventh wicket.
For Afghanistan, fast bowler Mohammad Saleem was the standout performer, taking six wickets.
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