In an exciting display of cricket, India declared their first innings at an impressive 564-8 during the one-off Test against Afghanistan. This match took place on Sunday in New Chandigarh. Afghanistan’s Mohammad Saleem was the standout bowler, claiming six wickets to mark his first Test five-wicket haul.
Key Performances and Milestones
- Shubman Gill top-scored for India with 126 runs.
- Rishabh Pant contributed significantly, scoring 81 runs.
- Washington Sundar finished unbeaten on 52 runs.
- Saleem’s bowling figures included two wickets from the previous day and four from the current session.
After starting the day at 368-3, India’s batting lineup continued to build a formidable score. The crucial partnership of 169 runs between Gill and Pant fortified their position. Sundar’s late batting, along with Mohammed Siraj’s quick 22 runs off just 12 balls, further enhanced the total.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Efforts
Mohammad Saleem, the 23-year-old pace bowler, shone brightly for Afghanistan. He consistently clocked speeds over 140 km/h (86.9 mph). His performance included breaking the significant partnership between Gill and Pant by dismissing Gill with a catch behind.
Saleem’s wickets also included Suthar, who scored 28 runs before being caught. Despite his excellent bowling, Afghanistan’s inability to capitalize on crucial umpire reviews hindered their chances. They failed to challenge several on-field decisions that could have changed the game’s momentum.
Current Match Status
As it stands, Afghanistan started their innings with 28 runs for 1 wicket. Debutant spinner from India took the wicket of Abdul Malik for 16 runs before tea, while Sediqullah Atal remained not out at 11. The match continues to develop, with Afghanistan looking to recover from a challenging start as they seek to respond to India’s formidable total.
Overall, India’s commanding performance and Saleem’s impressive debut have set the stage for an intriguing balance in this Test match.
