India declared their innings at 564/8 in 127 overs during the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on a composed 52 as the declaration was made by captain Shubman Gill after Sundar reached his fifty. Sundar showcased his value with a mix of patience and aggression, hitting a wristy flick for four and a commanding pull for six off pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi.
India’s lower order contributed quick runs before the declaration, with debutant Manav Suthar hitting two sixes to push the total past 500. Mohammed Siraj, promoted ahead of Kuldeep Yadav, scored a breezy 22 off 12 balls before being dismissed by Safi. Kuldeep Yadav added nine runs partnering with Sundar before the declaration.
Afghanistan’s Mohammad Saleem Safi shone with a spell of 6-140, finding rhythm and consistency with the ball. Safi’s effort troubled India’s batters with variable bounce and mixing lengths. Despite the sparse crowd, Safi left the field with the match ball raised in acknowledgment after India’s declaration.
India’s innings was led by Shubman Gill’s 126, KL Rahul’s century, Sai Sudharsan’s 81, and Rishabh Pant’s 81. Lower-order contributions ensured a healthy run-rate of 4.44, placing the innings among India’s fourth fastest 500-plus totals in Test history. Afghanistan faces the challenge of negotiating India’s attack, needing to bat well to match India’s performance.
