India registered their biggest-ever victory in Test cricket on Monday, 8 June, demolishing Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs inside three days at the New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh. Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout performer, claiming 7 wickets across both innings to announce himself on the international stage in emphatic fashion.

India's Dominant First Innings

India set the tone by posting a mammoth 564/8 declared in 127 overs after opting to bat first. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a commanding 126, while KL Rahul contributed a composed 100. Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant each struck 81, and Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 52 to push the total beyond reach. Mohammad Saleem Safi was Afghanistan's best bowler, finishing with 6 for 140.

Suthar's Dream Debut Dismantles Afghanistan

Resuming Day 3 at 113/5 in their first innings, Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 before lunch. Rahmat Shah offered resistance with a fighting 60, but Suthar was unstoppable, returning figures of 6 for 33 — the second-best bowling figures by an Indian on Test debut. Prasidh Krishna chipped in with 3 for 37. Facing a deficit of 412 runs, Afghanistan were asked to follow on.

Afghanistan's Second Innings Collapse

The visitors showed greater resolve initially, with openers Abdul Malik and Sediqullah Atal putting on 42 runs — their best opening stand against India in Tests. Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck a brisk 24 before Kuldeep Yadav removed him. Mohammed Siraj provided the key breakthrough by trapping Malik lbw, opening the door for India's spin attack.

Washington Sundar proved decisive in the second session, removing Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and the well-set Atal for 42 just before tea. Afghanistan slid from 74/1 to 98/5 and never recovered. Sundar finished with 4 for 36. Kuldeep then wrapped up the tail, dismissing Nangeyalia Kharote and Mohammad Saleem Safi in successive deliveries to end with 3 for 30. Suthar trapped Afsar Zazai lbw to add a seventh wicket to his debut tally. Afghanistan were bowled out for 112 in just 35.5 overs, with injured Sharafuddin Ashraf unable to bat.

Historic Margin and What It Means

The innings-and-300-run margin is India's largest winning margin in Test history, surpassing previous records. Notably, the match was completed in just three days, underscoring the gulf in red-ball experience between the two sides. This is only a one-off Test between the two nations, making the occasion all the more significant for Suthar, who claimed 7 wickets on debut — a performance that will be difficult to overlook for future selections.

India's spinners collectively dominated both innings, reflecting the team's depth in the format even without several first-choice players. The result strengthens India's standing in the World Test Championship cycle and signals a smooth transition in the squad's batting and bowling depth.