In a remarkable Test debut, Indian spinner Manav Suthar picked up six wickets to help bowl out Afghanistan cheaply, forcing them to follow on in the one-off Test match. The left-arm spinner's stellar performance left the Afghan batting lineup in disarray on the second day of the match.
Dominant Bowling Display
Manav Suthar, playing his first Test for India, recorded figures of 6 for 48 in the first innings, dismantling the Afghan batting order. His victims included key batsmen, as he consistently troubled the visitors with his flight and turn. The 24-year-old from Rajasthan became the 12th Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
Afghanistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, were bowled out for a paltry 152 runs in their first innings. Only veteran batter Rahmat Shah offered significant resistance, scoring a gritty 60 off 135 balls, including seven boundaries. No other Afghan batter crossed the 20-run mark.
India's Commanding Position
India's bowlers maintained relentless pressure from the start, with Suthar leading the charge. He was well supported by the pace duo of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav, who shared three wickets between them. The Afghan innings lasted just 52.3 overs, highlighting India's dominance.
Following on, Afghanistan began their second innings with a deficit of 352 runs after India posted a massive 504 for 6 declared earlier. At stumps on day two, the visitors were 45 for 2, still trailing by 307 runs. Suthar struck again in the second innings, removing opener Ibrahim Zadran for 12.
Rahmat Shah's Lone Battle
Rahmat Shah's knock was the only highlight for Afghanistan. He showed great temperament and technique, but lacked support from the other end. His innings included some elegant drives and solid defense, but he was eventually dismissed by Suthar, caught at slip.
India's batting earlier was powered by centuries from Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, who scored 124 and 112 respectively. The declaration came after India built a massive total, putting them in a commanding position to push for a win.
Historic Debut
Manav Suthar's debut performance has drawn praise from cricket experts and fans alike. His ability to extract turn and bounce on a relatively flat pitch impressed many. He became the first Indian left-arm spinner to take a six-wicket haul on Test debut since Pragyan Ojha in 2009.
With two days remaining, India will look to wrap up the match quickly and secure a comprehensive victory. Afghanistan, on the other hand, face an uphill task to save the Test or avoid an innings defeat.
