Opener KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill showcased strong performances with centuries, supported by B. Sai Sudharsan’s impressive 81, as India finished the first day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan at 368/3 in 85 overs. India, choosing to bat first, faced a challenge from Afghanistan’s disciplined pace attack early on. Yashasvi Jaiswal showed promise with 24 runs off 32 balls but was dismissed at 41/1 by Mohammad Saleem Safi after edging a delivery to the wicketkeeper.
Rahul and Sai Sudharsan gradually took control after a shaky start. Despite surviving a close call early on, Rahul notched his 21st Test fifty, while Sai displayed composure and skill against both pace and spin. The partnership between the two batsmen surpassed the century mark, with Afghanistan’s bowlers struggling to break through.
In the second session, Rahul and Sai continued their dominance. Rahul reached his century, only to be dismissed for 100, while Sai fell for a well-crafted 81, ending their crucial partnership. Shubman Gill then took charge, scoring a century of his own, supported by Rishabh Pant’s composed 50 not out. The duo’s unbeaten partnership further solidified India’s commanding position at the end of the day.
