India, after a challenging start, reached 96/1 in 25 overs at Lunch on Day 1 of the one-off four-day Test against Afghanistan. KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan guided India through a tough session from Afghanistan’s bowlers.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal for 24 was balanced by an unbeaten 55-run partnership between Rahul (37 not out) and Sai (32 not out). Despite facing a disciplined Afghan bowling attack, the duo steered India to a position of stability by the break.
Afghanistan’s seamers, especially Ziaur Rahman Sharifi and Azmatullah Omarzai, posed challenges with movement and bounce. Jaiswal’s aggressive play was cut short at 24, but he managed to find boundaries before falling to Mohammad Saleem Safi, giving Afghanistan their first breakthrough at 41.
Rahul, after a shaky start and surviving a close call, gradually found his rhythm with some boundaries. Sudharsan, on the other hand, grew in confidence, playing well-timed shots to keep the scoreboard ticking. Despite some missed chances by Afghanistan, India managed to hold their ground with Rahul and Sai’s partnership.
Afghanistan introduced spin before lunch through debutant Nangeyalia Kharote and Abdul Malik, but India’s batsmen handled the challenge well. While India will be content with their position, Afghanistan will aim to capitalize on missed opportunities in the upcoming session.
