Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar starred with a six-wicket haul as India bowled out Afghanistan for a paltry 124 in their first innings, enforcing the follow-on on day two of the one-off Test here on Wednesday.
Afghanistan, who resumed at their overnight score of 38 for 4, could add only 86 runs to their total as Suthar ran through the lower order to finish with figures of 6 for 37 in 14.3 overs.
This was Suthar's first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, and he was ably supported by off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who picked up two wickets, and pacer Mohammed Shami, who took one.
Afghanistan's innings lasted just 43.3 overs, with only two batsmen reaching double figures—Rahmat Shah (30) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (22).
India, who had declared their first innings at 536 for 7, now have a massive lead of 412 runs. The hosts will look to bowl out Afghanistan cheaply again and win the match inside three days.
Suthar's performance was particularly impressive given that he was playing in only his second Test match. The 22-year-old from Rajasthan has now taken 10 wickets in his nascent Test career.
India's decision to declare overnight was vindicated as their bowlers made early inroads. Shami removed Ibrahim Zadran in the first over of the day, while Ashwin accounted for Shahidi and Karim Janat.
Suthar then took over, dismissing Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Rashid Khan, and Zahir Khan to complete his five-for. He finished the innings by cleaning up Yamin Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan, in their second innings, were 0 for 0 at stumps, still trailing by 412 runs. They face an uphill task to save the match.
