Punjab Newsline | Mullanpur
India registered a historic innings-and-300-run victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test, wrapping up the match on the third day and recording their biggest-ever win by an innings margin in Test cricket.
After opting to bat first, India declared their innings at 564/8, putting Afghanistan under immediate pressure. The visitors were bowled out for just 152 in their first innings, handing India a massive 412-run lead. Enforcing the follow-on, India continued to dominate as Afghanistan struggled once again with the bat.
Afghanistan's second innings ended at 112 runs, with the team effectively all out after losing nine wickets as one batter, Ashraf, did not come out to bat. The collapse sealed a comprehensive victory for India and highlighted the gulf between the two sides.
Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar starred for India with a memorable performance. He claimed six wickets in Afghanistan’s first innings and added another wicket in the second innings. Washington Sundar picked up four wickets in the final innings, while Kuldeep Yadav grabbed three. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with a wicket.
Despite the emphatic win, the match was not part of the World Test Championship (WTC), meaning India will not receive any points in the WTC standings. Nevertheless, the victory showcased India's dominance and provided a dream debut for Manav Suthar.
