India Dominates Afghanistan in One-Off Test with Stellar Batting Performance

In a commanding display, India's cricket team declared at 564 runs against Afghanistan in the one-off Test match. Key performances included centuries from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, along with significant contributions from Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar. As Afghanistan began their innings, they faced early challenges, ending the second session at 28/1. This article delves into the highlights of Day 2, including Gill's milestone as captain and the standout bowling performance from Saleem Safi.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2026, 15:50 IST

India Takes Control at Tea on Day Two

India's batting lineup showcased exceptional skill, with KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill both scoring centuries, while Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar contributed fifties. By the end of the second session, Afghanistan found themselves at 28 runs for the loss of one wicket, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal remaining not out.

India Sets a Massive Target, Declares at 564

Resuming the second session at 475/6, Washington Sundar and Manav Suthar were at the crease. Suthar quickly made an impact, hitting a six off Hasmatullah Shahidi's first delivery. His powerful shot helped India surpass the 500-run mark in just over 112 overs.

The partnership between Sundar and Suthar was fruitful until Saleem Safi dismissed Suthar for 28 runs off 41 balls, leaving India at 510/7.

Saleem Safi made history by becoming only the third Afghan bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul in Test matches. Siraj added a quick 22 runs off 12 balls before falling to Saleem, leaving India at 540/8.

Washington Sundar continued his impressive form, reaching a fifty in 65 balls, contributing to India's declaration at a formidable 564/8 after 127 overs. Kuldeep Yadav remained not out at 9, while Washington finished with 52 runs. Saleem Safi's bowling figures stood out at 6 wickets for 140 runs, marking India's first 550+ total at home since their 571 against Australia in 2023.

Afghanistan's Response Begins

In their reply, Afghanistan's openers, Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik, started cautiously, scoring some boundaries. However, Manav Suthar made an early breakthrough, dismissing Abdul Malik for 16 runs, leaving Afghanistan at 28/1.

Morning Session Highlights: Gill's Century

During the morning session of Day 2, India lost three wickets but still managed to reach 475/6 at Lunch. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill began the day with India at 368/3, adding 48 runs before Gill was dismissed by Mohammad Saleem Safi. Gill scored 126 runs off 177 balls, including 15 fours and a six.

This innings also marked Gill's milestone of 1000 runs as India's Test captain, boasting an impressive average of 82.8, second only to the legendary Don Bradman.

Gill's partnership with Pant was significant, totaling 169 runs for the fourth wicket, the highest for India against Afghanistan.

Dhruv Jurel contributed 36 runs alongside Pant before being dismissed in a peculiar manner, leaving a straight delivery that hit the stumps. Jurel scored 19 runs with four boundaries.

Pant, aiming for a century, fell to Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who claimed his first Test wicket. Pant's score was 81 off 121 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. India went into the Lunch break with Washington Sundar and debutant Manav Suthar at the crease.

Match Summary

Brief scores: India: 564/8 (Shubman Gill 126, KL Rahul 100, Saleem Safi 6/140) vs Afghanistan: 28/1 in six overs (Abdul Malik 16, Sediqullah Atal 11*).