India Dominates Day 1 of Test Match Against Afghanistan with Strong Batting Performance

India showcased a dominant performance on Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, finishing at 368 for 3. Captain Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 103, while KL Rahul contributed a century. Rishabh Pant also played a crucial role with a well-timed 50. The Indian batting lineup effectively handled the Afghan bowling attack, with Mohammad Saleem Safi taking two wickets. As the match progresses, fans eagerly await how India will build on this strong start.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2026, 19:04 IST

India's Commanding Position at Day 1

On Saturday, India concluded Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in a dominant position, scoring 368 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 85 overs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Captain Shubman Gill ended the day unbeaten on 103 runs, while KL Rahul also contributed significantly with a century, and Rishabh Pant added a well-timed 50.

Third Session: Gill and Pant Strengthen India's Lead

Entering the third session, India was well-placed at 209 for 2 after 50 overs. The partnership between Gill and Pant continued to flourish, pushing the score to 245 for 2 by the 60th over.

Rahul's Century and Quick Dismissal

KL Rahul reached his 12th Test century off 164 balls on the first ball of the 61st over, becoming the sixth opponent against whom he has scored a hundred in Tests. However, he was dismissed on the next delivery, caught by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, concluding a 67-run partnership with Gill. Rahul's innings ended at 100 runs off 165 balls, including 11 boundaries.

Gill and Pant Keep the Momentum Going

Despite the loss of Rahul, Gill and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant maintained the momentum. Gill reached his ninth Test half-century, bringing the score to 264 for 3 in 62 overs. Pant then accelerated the scoring, hitting three sixes off Abdul Malik, helping India surpass the 300-run mark. By the end of the 70th over, India had moved to 311 for 3, and they continued to score steadily, reaching 330 for 3. Gill celebrated his century in the 83rd over, marking his 11th Test hundred and sixth as captain. Pant also reached his half-century in the final over of Day 1, leaving India at 368 for 3.

Afghanistan's Bowling Performance

For Afghanistan, Mohammad Saleem Safi took two wickets, while Ziaur Rahman Sharifi claimed one.

Second Session: Building on a Strong Start

In the second session, India added 113 runs for the loss of one wicket, further solidifying their position. KL Rahul began confidently after lunch, scoring boundaries and reaching his 21st Test fifty. Sai Sudharshan also contributed, hitting three consecutive fours to achieve his third Test half-century. Afghanistan's Ziaur Rahman nearly took a wicket but the ball evaded the keeper. Mohammad Saleem Safi eventually dismissed Sudharshan for 81 runs, but the partnership with Rahul ensured India maintained control at 209 for 2.

First Session: Steady Progress

During the first session, Rahul and Sudharshan's partnership guided India to 96 for 1. They added 55 runs for the second wicket in 78 balls, with Rahul not out on 37 and Sudharshan on 32 at lunch. India, having won the toss, opted to bat first, with openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal providing a steady start. Jaiswal hit a boundary in the first over, setting a positive tone. Afghanistan's bowlers maintained tight lines, claiming an early wicket when Mohammad Saleem Safi dismissed Jaiswal for 24 runs off 32 balls.

Brief Score Summary

India 368/3 (Shubman Gill 103*, KL Rahul 100; Mohammad Saleem Safi 2/67) vs Afghanistan.