Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar shone with a remarkable six-wicket haul as Afghanistan’s openers displayed resilience in the follow-on, reaching 18/0 at lunch on Day 3 of the one-off Test against India at the New PCA Stadium. Afghanistan, starting the day at 113/5, were bowled out for 152 in their first innings, trailing India by a massive 412 runs after India declared at 564/8. Suthar’s exceptional figures of 6/33 in 22 overs marked the second-best bowling performance by an Indian on Test debut.
India made an early breakthrough in the morning session as Prasidh Krishna dismissed Azmatullah Omarzai for a duck, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 118/6. Rahmat Shah, who had shown resilience, became the first Afghan batter to score a Test fifty against India. Despite a collapsing batting lineup, Rahmat stood tall, supported by Sharafuddin Ashraf, who battled through an injury. Suthar’s crucial wickets, including Rahmat’s dismissal for 60, and Mohammad Saleem Safi’s wicket, led to Afghanistan being all out for 152.
With a substantial lead, India enforced the follow-on, and Suthar was given the new ball. Afghanistan’s second innings began with more determination, with opener Sediqullah Atal aggressively countering Suthar. Atal’s attacking play, surviving early challenges, saw him score quick runs. Abdul Malik provided stability as Afghanistan ended the pre-lunch session at 18/0 in their second innings, trailing India by 394 runs but showing improved intent.
