India Achieves Historic Test Victory Over Afghanistan by Innings and 300 Runs

India's Record-Breaking Test Win

In a remarkable display, India secured their largest Test victory to date, defeating Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in Mullanpur. The triumph was propelled by stellar centuries from the top-order batsmen, while debutant spinner Manav Suthar shone with a seven-wicket haul.

Dominance at Mullanpur

India showcased their prowess in a One-Off Test, clinching victory on Day 3 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on June 8. After dismissing Afghanistan for 152 in their first innings and enforcing the follow-on, the Indian spin trio of Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar dismantled the Afghan batting order, bowling them out for just 112 in 35.5 overs, thus sealing a historic win.

Key Takeaways from the Match

1. Manav Suthar made a significant impact on his Test debut, taking six wickets for only 33 runs in his first innings, achieving an economy rate of 1.5 over 22 overs. He became the fourth bowler to achieve a six-wicket haul on debut.

2. In the second innings, Suthar's figures were 1/29 in 10 overs, leading to a total of 7/63 across both innings, marking the second-best debut performance by an Indian bowler, only behind Narendra Hirwani's 8/61.

3. Suthar was named Player of the Match for his outstanding debut performance.

4. India's top-order batsmen, including skipper Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, adapted well after a five-month break from Tests, scoring impressive centuries.

5. The Indian bowling attack, primarily composed of spinners, dominated the match, taking 15 out of 20 wickets, showcasing their strength in favorable conditions.

Bowling and Batting Highlights

Washington Sundar proved his worth with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeaten 52 in the first innings and taking 4/36 in the second. His performance highlighted his growth and potential as a match-winner.

The Indian team maintained their intensity throughout the match, demonstrating no signs of fatigue despite the short break between the IPL and the Test.

Historic Victory

With this innings and 300-run victory, India set a new record for the largest margin of victory in Test cricket, surpassing their previous record of an innings and 272 runs against the West Indies in 2018.

The team’s ability to enforce the follow-on and maintain pressure led to Afghanistan losing their last six wickets for just 14 runs, concluding the match decisively on Day 3.