India on the Brink of Victory Against Afghanistan in One-Off Test

India is on the brink of a comprehensive victory against Afghanistan in a one-off Test match, with the visitors struggling at 98/5 in their second innings. After a stellar performance from debutant spinner Manav Suthar, who took six wickets, Afghanistan is facing a daunting task to avoid defeat. With a significant deficit and only five wickets remaining, India is firmly in control as they aim to wrap up the match within three days. This match highlights the prowess of India's bowling attack and the promising talent of Suthar.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2026, 15:21 IST

Afghanistan Struggles in Second Innings

India is nearing a decisive win in the one-off Test match against Afghanistan, as the visitors found themselves at 98/5 in their second innings by tea on Day 3, having been forced to follow on at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

After being bowled out for 152 in their first innings, Afghanistan is trailing by 412 runs and needs an additional 314 runs to force India to bat again. The Indian bowlers exerted consistent pressure during the second session, with Washington Sundar taking three vital wickets. Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav each contributed with one wicket, putting Afghanistan in a precarious position.

Siraj initiated the breakthrough by trapping Abdul Malik LBW, which came after Afghanistan had started positively. Kuldeep followed by dismissing the aggressive Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 24 runs with three boundaries and a six, with Prasidh Krishna taking the catch at long-on.

Sundar further weakened Afghanistan's batting by getting rid of Rahmat Shah for 13 and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi for just five runs. Just before the tea break, he also dismissed opener Sediqullah Atal, who was the top scorer with 42 runs.

Manav Suthar Shines on Debut

Earlier in the day, debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made headlines with an impressive six-wicket haul, helping India dismiss Afghanistan for 152 in their first innings and enforcing the follow-on.

Starting the day at 113/5, Afghanistan struggled to recover from the previous day's damage. Prasidh Krishna quickly took out Azmatullah Omarzai, and Suthar dominated the lower order, finishing with remarkable figures of 6/33 in 22 overs.

The 23-year-old spinner from Rajasthan dismissed Sharafuddin Ashraf (11) and ended Rahmat Shah's resistance after the batter scored a gritty 60 off 135 balls, marking a memorable five-wicket haul on his Test debut. He also trapped Mohammad Saleem Safi leg-before and concluded the innings by taking the wicket of Ziaur Rahman Sharifi. Suthar's performance ranks as the second-best by an Indian bowler on Test debut, following Narendra Hirwani's 8/61 against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988. He is now the 10th Indian bowler and the seventh spinner to achieve a five-wicket haul in their first Test match.

With Afghanistan just five wickets away from defeat and facing a significant deficit, India is poised for a victory within three days.