KL Rahul and Shubman Gill struck brilliant centuries to put India in a commanding position on the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Bengaluru on Thursday. The hosts ended the day at 342 for 2, with Rahul unbeaten on 154 and Gill making 120.
Dominant Partnership
The duo added 210 runs for the second wicket after India lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal early. Rahul, playing his first Test since the England series, looked in sublime touch, hitting 18 boundaries and three sixes. Gill, continuing his rich vein of form, struck 14 fours and a six.
Pant's Special Fifty
Rishabh Pant, playing his 50th Test match, walked in after Gill's dismissal and immediately took the attack to the Afghan bowlers. He remained unbeaten on 67 off just 72 balls, smashing nine fours and two sixes. Pant received a guard of honour from the Afghan team before the start of play to mark his milestone.
Afghanistan's bowlers toiled hard on a flat pitch but lacked penetration. Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 1 for 78, while left-arm spinner Amir Hamza claimed the other wicket. The visitors will look for early breakthroughs on Day 2 to stay in the contest.
India's strong start puts them in a position to push for a big total and put pressure on Afghanistan's batting lineup. With three days left, the match is poised for an exciting finish.
