Manav Suthar Six Wicket Haul Puts India In Command Against Afghanistan

Manav Suthar Six Wicket Haul Puts India In Command Against Afghanistan In One Off Test

India tightened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh as debutant spinner Manav Suthar produced a sensational bowling performance on Day 3. The young left-arm spinner claimed a memorable six-wicket haul to help India bowl out Afghanistan for 152 before enforcing the follow-on.

By lunch on the third day, Afghanistan had reached 18 without loss in their second innings, still trailing India by 394 runs. Despite showing greater intent in the follow-on, the visitors remain under immense pressure as India continue to dominate the contest.

Manav Suthar Delivers Dream Debut Performance

The biggest story of the morning session was undoubtedly Manav Suthar. Making his Test debut, the left-arm spinner showcased maturity, control and excellent game awareness to finish with outstanding figures of 6 for 33 in 22 overs.

His spell not only dismantled Afghanistan's batting lineup but also earned him the second-best bowling figures by an Indian on Test debut. Suthar consistently challenged the batters with flight, turn and accuracy, making life difficult throughout the innings.

The spinner's breakthrough moment came when he dismissed Sharafuddin Ashraf after India successfully reviewed the on-field decision. Soon after, he produced one of the deliveries of the match to remove Afghanistan's most resilient batter, Rahmat Shah.

Rahmat Shah Fights Lone Battle

While wickets continued to tumble around him, Rahmat Shah once again displayed remarkable determination. The experienced batter became the first Afghanistan player to score a Test fifty against India and added another milestone to his growing list of achievements.

Having already crossed 1,000 Test runs on Day 2, Rahmat stood firm against India's bowling attack and scored a fighting 60. However, his resistance ended when Suthar deceived him with a beautifully flighted delivery that dipped sharply and crashed into the stumps.

The dismissal effectively ended Afghanistan's hopes of posting a competitive first-innings total.

India Enforce Follow On

After bowling Afghanistan out for 152, India secured a massive first-innings lead of 412 runs and had no hesitation in enforcing the follow-on.

The decision reflected India's complete control over the match. Earlier, the hosts had piled up an imposing 564 for 8 declared, thanks to centuries from captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Valuable contributions from Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar further strengthened India's position.

The huge total gave India's bowlers the freedom to attack aggressively, and they responded with a disciplined performance led by Suthar.

Afghanistan Show More Intent In Second Innings

Afghanistan's second innings started with far greater positivity compared to their first effort. Opener Sediqullah Atal decided to counterattack and put pressure back on the bowlers.

The left-hander survived a couple of early scares before striking a six and multiple boundaries to move quickly to 16 not out. Abdul Malik remained cautious at the other end as the pair safely negotiated the opening four overs.

At lunch, Afghanistan were 18 for no loss but still faced a daunting task to avoid defeat.

India Firmly In The Driving Seat

With a massive lead, a debutant spinner in outstanding form and plenty of time remaining in the match, India remain overwhelming favourites to secure victory.

Manav Suthar's remarkable six-wicket haul has not only strengthened India's position but has also introduced another exciting spin talent to Indian cricket. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on whether the young spinner can continue his dream debut and help India complete a comprehensive win over Afghanistan.