India asserted control in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, declaring at 564/8 and making early breakthroughs through debutant spinner Manav Suthar, leaving the visitors at 28/1 at tea on day two. Washington Sundar contributed a composed 52 not out, while Mohammed Siraj’s quick 22 off 12 balls added fireworks before India’s declaration in 127 overs.
Sundar’s sixth Test fifty included a wristy flick for four and a commanding pull for six off Safi. Siraj, promoted up the order, played freely with a six and four boundaries before being dismissed by Safi, who finished with 6-140. India’s innings was led by Shubman Gill’s 126, KL Rahul’s century, Sai Sudharsan’s 81, and Rishabh Pant’s 81, resulting in a healthy run-rate of 4.44.
India’s declaration aimed to give their bowlers two full sessions, and the decision paid off as Afghanistan’s openers found boundaries but were soon under pressure. Suthar’s debut delivery saw Malik dismissed, caught by Siraj, setting up a challenging post-tea session for Afghanistan against India’s spin attack.
