Mullanpur: Afghanistan face a daunting challenge on Day 3 of the one-off Test against India, resuming at 113/5 and still trailing by a massive 451 runs. With half their side already back in the pavilion, the visitors are under serious threat of being forced to follow on, while India look to tighten their grip on the match.
India dominate after commanding first innings
India set the tone of the match with a formidable first-innings total of 564/8 declared on Day 2. Skipper Shubman Gill led from the front with a superb 126, anchoring the innings with authority and composure.
He was well supported by Rishabh Pant, who played an aggressive knock of 81, and Washington Sundar, who remained unbeaten on 52 to push India past the 550-run mark.
Despite India’s dominance, Afghanistan pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi delivered an outstanding performance, claiming six wickets and preventing the total from escalating even further.
Afghanistan struggle under pressure
In reply, Afghanistan’s batting lineup faltered against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. At stumps on Day 2, they were reeling at 113/5, still far behind India’s imposing total.
Senior batter Rahmat Shah remains the key figure for Afghanistan, unbeaten on 43. His role on Day 3 will be crucial if the visitors are to avoid the follow-on and restore some parity in the contest.
However, with wickets falling at regular intervals, Afghanistan will need a strong lower-order contribution to push their total closer to the follow-on mark.
Manav Suthar shines on debut
One of the standout performers for India has been debutant Manav Suthar, who impressed with the ball by picking up three crucial wickets. His ability to extract turn and maintain control has put Afghanistan under immense pressure.
Alongside him, Prasidh Krishna provided solid support with two wickets, using pace and bounce effectively on the Mullanpur surface.
Suthar will be eyeing a five-wicket haul (five-for) on Day 3, which would mark a memorable debut performance and further strengthen India’s dominance in the match.
Follow-on scenario explained
With Afghanistan trailing by 451 runs and only five wickets in hand, the possibility of a follow-on is very real. In Test cricket, a team must trail by at least 200 runs (in a five-day match) to be asked to bat again immediately.
If India manage to dismiss Afghanistan well short of reducing the deficit below that margin, they are likely to enforce the follow-on and push for an early victory.
What to expect on Day 3
Day 3 promises to be decisive. India will aim to wrap up Afghanistan’s innings quickly and potentially enforce the follow-on, while Afghanistan will focus on survival and resistance.
Much will depend on Rahmat Shah’s ability to anchor the innings and whether the lower order can provide meaningful support. On the other hand, India’s bowlers, led by Suthar, will look to exploit the conditions and maintain relentless pressure.
Conclusion
India are firmly in control of the one-off Test against Afghanistan heading into Day 3, with a huge first-innings lead and the opposition struggling at 113/5. The match appears to be tilting heavily in India’s favour, but cricket often produces surprises. Afghanistan’s immediate goal will be to avoid the follow-on, while India will push hard for a dominant win. All eyes will be on Manav Suthar as he chases a memorable five-wicket haul on debut.