India continued their commanding performance in the one-off Test against Afghanistan on Day 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. After a strong start on Day 1, the hosts declared their first innings at a massive 564/8, before reducing Afghanistan to 113/5 at stumps, leaving the visitors trailing by a whopping 451 runs.
India’s Dominant Batting Display
India picked up from where they left off on Day 1. Captain Shubman Gill (who scored a century on Day 1) and Rishabh Pant resumed the innings aggressively. Gill eventually top-scored with 126, while Pant contributed a solid 81. Lower-order resilience came from Washington Sundar, who notched his sixth Test fifty with an unbeaten 52, and Mohammed Siraj added a quick cameo of 22 off 12 balls.
The declaration came at 564/8 after 126-127 overs, setting a daunting target for Afghanistan. Key partnerships and consistent scoring throughout the top and middle order showcased India’s batting depth, even without some of their regular stars.
Afghanistan’s Struggle and India’s Bowling Attack
Afghanistan faced immediate pressure when they came out to bat. Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar stole the show, picking up 3 wickets for 21 runs in 15.5 overs. His ability to trouble the batters early and around the Tea break was crucial.
Prasidh Krishna complemented the spin with pace, as the pair took five wickets between them. Afghanistan’s top order crumbled, with only Rahmat Shah providing resistance, remaining unbeaten on 43 off 81 balls (the first Afghan to cross 1000 Test runs). At stumps, Afghanistan were reeling at 113/5.
Key Bowling Figures (India):
- Manav Suthar: 3/21
- Prasidh Krishna: Significant contributions in the middle session
- Washington Sundar: Controlled spells
Match Summary (End of Day 2)
- India 1st Innings: 564/8 declared
- Afghanistan 1st Innings: 113/5 (trailing by 451 runs)
- Venue: Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
- Standout Performer: Manav Suthar (debutant hero)
Key Moments from Day 2
- Gill and Pant’s continuation of their strong form.
- Washington’s composed fifty and Siraj’s entertaining batting.
- Suthar’s maiden Test wickets, including crucial breakthroughs.
- Rahmat Shah’s fighting knock amidst the collapse.
India are firmly in the driver’s seat. With a massive lead and Afghanistan’s batting in disarray, the hosts are eyeing a big victory in this historic one-off Test. Afghanistan will need a miraculous recovery on Day 3 to stay in the contest.
What’s Next?
Day 3 promises more action as India looks to wrap up the Afghan innings quickly and enforce the follow-on. Stay tuned to DD SportsTV for full match updates, player analysis, and more cricket highlights!
Source: YouTube
