KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan showcased impressive batting performances, forming a solid 139-run partnership as India took control of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. During the afternoon session on Day 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, India reached 209/2 in 50 overs at Tea. Rahul remained unbeaten on 81, while captain Shubman Gill supported with 20 not out at the break.
Rahul, after a challenging start, displayed fluent batting post-lunch, reaching his 21st Test fifty with ease. Meanwhile, Sudharsan continued his promising Test debut, scoring his third Test half-century. The duo effectively tackled the Afghanistan bowlers, capitalizing on loose deliveries and rotating strike efficiently. Despite a few missed opportunities by Afghanistan, the partnership was crucial in steering India to a commanding position.
As the session progressed, Sudharsan grew in confidence against spin, playing Hashmatullah Shahidi’s deliveries skillfully. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers persisted in their search for breakthroughs, with Mohammad Saleem Safi finally dismissing Sudharsan for a well-crafted 81. This breakthrough ended the vital 139-run partnership, which had rescued India from a precarious position and firmly placed them in control of the match.
With Rahul nearing a century and Gill settling in comfortably, India looks well-positioned for the final session. While Afghanistan found success in breaking the partnership, India’s strong position remains intact as they aim to dominate further.
