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

India strengthened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan on the opening day in Mullanpur, reaching 337 for 3 in the final session after impressive contributions from KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. The hosts continued to dominate after winning the toss and choosing to bat, with Afghanistan struggling to make regular breakthroughs on a favourable batting surface.

Rahul laid the foundation for India's strong position with a composed century, his 12th in Test cricket. The experienced opener reached the three-figure mark after a patient and technically sound innings but was dismissed on the very next delivery after completing the milestone. His knock came at a crucial stage after India lost an early wicket and helped stabilise the innings.

Earlier in the day, Rahul and Sai Sudharsan added 139 runs for the second wicket to wrest control away from Afghanistan. Sudharsan continued his impressive start to Test cricket with an attractive innings of 81, narrowly missing out on what would have been his maiden Test century. The left-hander combined aggression with elegance, keeping the scoreboard moving while taking advantage of scoring opportunities.

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

Following Rahul's departure, captain Gill ensured that India maintained momentum. The skipper produced another assured innings, moving past his half-century and edging closer to a century of his own. His calm approach at the crease helped prevent Afghanistan from building any sustained pressure during the final session.

Pant then added further frustration for the visitors with a typically aggressive display. The wicketkeeper-batter accelerated the scoring rate and attacked the Afghan bowlers, including a sequence featuring three successive sixes that shifted momentum decisively in India's favour. His strokeplay complemented Gill's measured approach and pushed India towards a commanding first-innings total.

The match also marked the Test debut of spinner Manav Suthar for India, while Afghanistan handed a maiden cap to spinner Nangeyalia Kharote. With Gill nearing a century and Pant scoring freely, India appear firmly in control heading into the closing stages of Day 1, while Afghanistan face an uphill task to pull the game back in their favour.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Will Miss Afghanistan ODIs Due To Injury, Jaiswal Named Replacement