Manav Suthar's 3-21 debut haunts Afghanistan, trail India by 451
Synopsis
Debutant Manav Suthar walked into Test cricket and immediately looked at home — 3 for 21 in 15.5 overs, maiden after maiden, and Afghanistan 451 runs behind with five wickets down. Rahmat Shah's milestone of 1,000 Test runs was the one bright spot in a grim Day 2 for the visitors.
Key Takeaways
Debutant Manav Suthar claimed 3 for 21 in 15.5 overs on his first day of Test bowling.
Afghanistan closed Day 2 at 113 for 5 , trailing India by 451 runs and facing the follow-on threat.
India declared at 564 for 8 in 127 overs , with Shubman Gill (126) and KL Rahul (100) starring.
Prasidh Krishna took 2 for 27 , removing both Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Rahmat Shah is unbeaten on 43 and became the first Afghanistan player to reach 1,000 Test runs .
Mohammad Saleem Safi was Afghanistan's best bowler with 6 for 140 in India's innings.
Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar claimed 3 for 21 in 15.5 overs on his first day of Test bowling, steering India to a commanding position in the one-off Test at New Chandigarh on 7 June. Afghanistan closed Day 2 at 113 for 5, still trailing India's declared total of 564 for 8 by 451 runs, and now face the grim prospect of being asked to follow on.
India's Declaration Sets the Tone
Washington Sundar anchored the tail with a composed 52 not out — his sixth Test half-century — before captain Shubman Gill pulled the plug on the innings. Mohammed Siraj added an entertaining 22 off 12 balls in the closing overs. Gill's decision to declare gave his bowlers two full sessions to work on Afghanistan, and they made full use of the opportunity.
Suthar Announces Himself in Test Cricket
Suthar, operating with remarkable control and brisk pace, bowled maiden after maiden to strangle Afghanistan's strokeplay. His first wicket came when Abdul Malik attempted a sweep and top-edged to backward square leg off a sharply turning delivery. Later, Rahmanullah Gurbaz feathered a nick to slip, where a sharp catch was pouched. Afsar Zazai's resistance ended when he closed the bat face too early and offered a simple return catch to Suthar, who capped a remarkable debut bowling spell.
Prasidh Krishna Provides the Perfect Foil
Prasidh Krishna complemented Suthar with 2 for 27, producing a lovely nip-backer to uproot Sediqullah Atal's stumps before trapping Hashmatullah Shahidi lbw. Shahidi had briefly steadied Afghanistan in a 36-run partnership with Rahmat Shah, but Krishna's second strike left the visitors in deeper trouble. Kuldeep Yadav and Sundar also maintained pressure throughout, ensuring Afghanistan never found any rhythm.
Rahmat Shah's Milestone Amid the Collapse
Rahmat Shah provided the only real resistance for Afghanistan, reaching 43 not out at stumps and becoming the first Afghanistan batter to cross 1,000 Test runs — a personal milestone achieved against the backdrop of a team in serious trouble. His unbeaten knock will be crucial if Afghanistan are to avoid the follow-on on Day 3.
Scorecard Snapshot
India 564/8 dec in 127 overs (Shubman Gill 126, KL Rahul 100; Mohammad Saleem Safi 6 for 140, Hashmatullah Shahidi 1 for 91) vs Afghanistan 113/5 in 39.5 overs (Rahmat Shah 43 not out, Hashmatullah Shahidi 29; Manav Suthar 3 for 21, Prasidh Krishna 2 for 27). Afghanistan trail by 451 runs.
Point of View
Rahmat Shah's 1,000-run milestone deserves recognition, but it is being celebrated in a match that exposes just how wide the gap remains between the two sides at Test level.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Manav Suthar's figures on Test debut?
Manav Suthar took 3 for 21 in 15.5 overs on his first day of Test bowling in the one-off Test against Afghanistan at New Chandigarh. His wickets were Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Afsar Zazai.
What is Afghanistan's score at stumps on Day 2?
Afghanistan closed Day 2 at 113 for 5 in 39.5 overs, trailing India's declared total of 564 for 8 by 451 runs. Rahmat Shah remained unbeaten on 43.
Why did India declare at 564 for 8?
Captain Shubman Gill declared after Washington Sundar reached his fifty — 52 not out — to give India's bowlers two full sessions to bowl at Afghanistan. Mohammed Siraj's cameo of 22 off 12 balls preceded the declaration.
Who became the first Afghanistan player to score 1,000 Test runs?
Rahmat Shah became the first Afghanistan batter to reach 1,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone while batting unbeaten on 43 at stumps on Day 2.
What was Afghanistan's best bowling performance in India's innings?
Mohammad Saleem Safi was Afghanistan's standout bowler, claiming 6 for 140 in India's first innings of 564 for 8 declared. Hashmatullah Shahidi also chipped in with 1 for 91.
