IND vs AFG One-Off Test Day 2: Gill on 107, Pant on 54 as India Extend Lead

India continued to strengthen their position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan as play resumed on Day 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Overnight batters Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant returned to the crease with India well-placed at 368/3, looking to build on the strong foundation laid on the opening day of the match.

At the time of the latest update, India had progressed to 376/3 in 86.4 overs, with Gill leading the charge after completing a superb century. The right-handed batter was unbeaten on 107 from 151 deliveries, while Pant provided solid support with an aggressive yet controlled innings of 54 not out from 72 balls. Their partnership continued to frustrate the Afghanistan bowling attack in the morning session.

Afghanistan's bowlers entered the second day searching for early breakthroughs after a challenging opening day. Zia Ur Rehman and Azmatullah Omarzai were tasked with making inroads into the Indian middle order and preventing the hosts from posting a massive first-innings total. Despite disciplined efforts, the visitors initially struggled to create clear wicket-taking opportunities.

Also Read: IND vs AFG One-off Test Day 1: Pant's Six-Hitting Blitz, Gill Nears Century

The morning session began cautiously, with Gill and Pant showing patience against the new-day bowling conditions. India collected only a few runs in the opening over as both batters focused on preserving their wickets and settling into their rhythm. The measured approach reflected India's intention to consolidate before accelerating later in the innings.

India's strong position was built on an impressive start from captain KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan on Day 1. The pair shared a 139-run partnership that gave the hosts complete control during the early stages of the innings. While Sudharsan narrowly missed out on a century and was dismissed for 81, Rahul converted his start into his 12th Test hundred, providing India with a commanding platform.

For Afghanistan, Saleem Safi was the most successful bowler on the opening day with two wickets, while Zia Ur Rehman claimed one dismissal. Having won the toss and elected to bat first, India will now look to maximize their first-innings total, while Afghanistan will aim to strike regularly and prevent the match from slipping further out of their grasp.

Also Read: Rahul, Sudharsan Put Afghanistan Under Pressure As India Reach 209/2