HIGHLIGHTS India vs Afghanistan, Afghanistan in India One-off Test 2026, One-off Test- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back. Shubman Gill and his men have made their way out to the centre. It will be the left-hand, right-hand opening combination of Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik for Afghanistan. Mohammed Siraj will kickstart proceedings with the new ball. Malik is on strike. Three slips and a gully await. Here we go...

... SECOND INNINGS ...

A mountain to climb - Afghanistan will have to put the disappointment of that long bowling effort behind them as they begin the daunting task of tracking down India's first-innings total of 564. The visitors will need to draw on all of their first-class experience and show plenty of patience against a well-rounded Indian attack. Given the movement Mohammad Saleem was able to extract even with the older ball, India's quicks will be eager to have a crack with the new one. Stay tuned for Afghanistan's reply.

What might have been - For Afghanistan, there was a lion-hearted effort from Mohammad Saleem, who kept charging in despite the energy-sapping conditions and was rewarded with a maiden five-wicket haul before eventually finishing with six wickets. Ziaur Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai bowled well in patches too, but Afghanistan were ultimately left to rue their decision-making with the DRS. Afghanistan's cause was not helped by the injury to left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf, who left the field on Day 1 and did not return. Whether he is fit enough to take any further part in the match remains to be seen

Contributions across the board - Having opted to bat first, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were the two centurions in the Indian innings. Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant both fell in the 80s, while Dhruv Jurel also looked in fine touch during his stay at the crease. Manav Suthar and Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with useful runs, while Washington Sundar played an impressive hand to take India past 550.

India have declared - Shubman Gill calls his men back as he feels that they have got enough runs on the board. It was a long and gruelling stint in the field for Afghanistan in scorching conditions, but there was no shortage of effort from the tourists throughout the innings. Mohammad Saleem leads his side off the park with the ball held aloft after a wholehearted effort.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Attacks the stumps with a length ball and Kuldeep Yadav is solid in defence.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Bowled into the surface, outside off. Sundar hops and drags the pull through square leg for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Drifting down leg, on a back of a length. Sundar swivels and swings to get it away on the leg side but misses.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Nails the yorker, on middle. Washington digs it out.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, FOUR! That brings up a FIFTY for Washington Sundar, his 6th in Test cricket. Washington continues to impress with the bat in this format. Fuller in length, on middle. Sundar stays balanced and brings his wrists into play to flick it between mid-wicket and mid on for a four.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, SIX! Effortless! Fractionally short, angled in from around the wicket. Sundar stands tall and pummels it over square leg for a biggie.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Kuldeep Yadav, Darted in with the arm, on a length, on middle. Kuldeep brings his bat out in front to stab it down.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Keeps it slow but drags the length back, on off. Washington works it through mid-wicket and crosses over.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Floated up again, at the sticks. Washington defends it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Kuldeep Yadav, Loopy ball, full and on off. Kuldeep slices it to the right of point and hurries to the other end.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Kuldeep Yadav, Even slower this time and fuller, on off. Kuldeep lunges for the block.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Kuldeep Yadav, Short and slow, on off. Kuldeep keeps it out from the crease.

Time for spin again as Hashmatullah Shahidi brings himself into the attack.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Sprayed at the hips, Kuldeep nudges it through square leg and keeps the strike with a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Good-length delivery, on the off stump. Kuldeep drives it on the up to point.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Banged in short, outside off, Kuldeep sways away from the line of the ball.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, FOUR! Good shot. On the fuller side, outside off. Kuldeep leans into the stroke and angles the drive with an open bat face to the left of backward point for a boundary. 550 comes up for India.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Pitches it up now, on middle. Kuldeep wrists it to square leg.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Delivers it on a short of a length, on off. Washington punches it to deep cover and gets to the other end.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, Lands it on a length, on off. Kuldeep leans across to block but ekes out an inside edge onto the pads. A maiden from Rahman, only his 2nd of the innings.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, A bit fuller, attacking the front pad. Yadav flicks but can't get it past Nangeyalia Kharote at short square leg.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, Bowled by going wide on the crease, on a back of a length, on off. Kuldeep dabs it to backward point.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, Very full, a hint of tail back into the left-hander, outside off. Kuldeep goes for the drive but squeezes out an inside edge. The ball bounces off the turf and drops beside him to his right.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, Hurls it on a good length, outside off. Kuldeep shoulders arms.

Ziaur Rahman to Washington Sundar, Serves it full and on off, Sundar extends his hands on the drive. Rahmat Shah lets it through at cover and concedes a single.

DRINKS BREAK! India added 69 runs in the first half of the session and are closing in on the 550-run mark. One gets the feeling that unless India are bowled out, they might look to bat for another half an hour or so and then have a crack at Afghanistan before the Tea break. Mohammad Saleem has continued to give it everything in testing conditions. Even with the older ball, he has managed to find some movement off the surface and has been Afghanistan's most consistent threat.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Full and wide of off, Kuldeep Yadav leaves it.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Around that nagging length again, outside off, Kuldeep Yadav looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Bouncer this time from Saleem. Yadav ducks down.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Hard length, on the pads, Kuldeep Yadav blocks this with a straight bat.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Another one from Saleem. Good length, around off, moving a shade away from the batter. Kuldeep Yadav plays close to his body and the ball beats him on the outside edge.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Absolute beauty from Mohammad Saleem. Hits the deck hard, bowls it around off, in the corridor of uncertainty. Kuldeep Yadav plays within the line and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Ziaur Rahman to Washington Sundar, Another one, where the bowler errs in line and bowls this length delivery down the leg side. Sundar goes for a flick but misses out.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, Ziaur bowls this on a good length, going down the leg side. Kuldeep Yadav flicks this to fine leg for a run.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, On a length, around off, Yadav pushes this back to the bowler from the bottom of his bat.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, Full and wide of off, Kuldeep pushes this to short covers.

Ziaur Rahman to Washington Sundar, Back of a length, on the pads, Washington Sundar flicks this to the left of deep square leg for one.

Ziaur Rahman to Kuldeep Yadav, Good length, on middle and leg, Kuldeep flicks this through fine leg for one.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Short stuff, around off, Washington Sundar gets up on his toes and blocks this to point.

Mohammad Saleem to Kuldeep Yadav, Saleem is steaming in at 145.1 kph in this scorching heat. Bowls it on a length, around middle and off, Kuldeep tucks this through square leg for one.

A dent in the middle stump by the blow, but the umpires feel that no replacement is needed. Kuldeep Yadav is in at number 10.

Mohammad Saleem to Mohammed Siraj, OUT! TIMBER! The party is over for Siraj with the bat as he gets cleaned up. You miss, I hit stuff from Saleem as he dishes one on a good length and in the line of the stumps. Mohammed Siraj goes for a wild hoick but misses completely. The ball nips back to go past the inside edge before uprooting the middle pole. Mohammad Saleem gets his 6th scalp of the game.

Mohammad Saleem to Mohammed Siraj, FOUR! Well-o-well, Siraj is putting on a show here. Short and around off, Mohammed Siraj arches a shade back and plays a late cut to steer the red cherry through the gully region for a boundary.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Hard length, on middle and off, Sundar guides this square on off in the gap for one.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Good length, on off, Sundar blocks this out.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Mohammed Siraj, Pushed through around off, Siraj is beaten while trying to defend.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Mohammed Siraj, Full and around off, turning away from the batter, Siraj goes for a slog sweep but misses.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Mohammed Siraj, FOUR! Siraj is toying around with young Kharote. Short of a length, around off, Mohammed Siraj rocks back inside the crease and plays the square cut well. The ball races through point for a boundary. The fielder at sweeper cover did give it a chase but he had the ball in his hands while touching the boundary cushion. Siraj moves to 18, which is now his highest Test score.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Mohammed Siraj, FOUR! It nearly went the distance. Quicker one, around off, Siraj shuffles across and thumps this over mid on for a boundary this time. Siraj is having fun out in the middle with the bat for now.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Mohammed Siraj, SIX! Siraj has cleared the fence with ease. Tossed up, around middle and off, Mohammed Siraj clears his front foot, and plants it towards the leg side to slog this over the deep mid-wicket fence for a huge six.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Mohammed Siraj, A loud shout for caught behind, but turned down. Tossed up, around off, turning away from the batter. Mohammed Siraj goes down on a knee and looks for the slog sweep but misses. Hashmatullah Shahidi checks with the men around the bat before sending this upstairs. Nothing on the UltraEdge as the ball passes the bat, and the on-field decision stays. Afghanistan have no reviews left.

Mohammad Saleem to Mohammed Siraj, LEG BYE! Good length, down the leg side. Siraj misses out on the tickle and the ball clips his pads before going down to fine leg for a leg bye.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Hurls it on a good length, around off, Sundar guides this through backward point for a run.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, On a length, tailing back into the batter. Sundar drives this to mid on.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Short and on off, Washington Sundar blocks this out.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, FOUR! Saleem goes a touch too full and on the pads, Sundar leans on and flicks this through the gap between mid on and mid-wicket for four runs.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Good length, on off, Sundar doesn't offer any stroke at it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Mohammed Siraj, Fired around off, Siraj leaves it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Mohammed Siraj, FOUR! Juicy full toss, on the pads, Mohammed Siraj flicks this through the mid-wicket region to get off the mark with a boundary.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Washington Sundar, Quicker one, on middle and off, Sundar works this down to long on for one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Washington Sundar, Floated wide of off, Washington Sundar leaves it, offering only his front pad at it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Sundar flicks this to mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Washington Sundar, Fuller around off, Sundar tucks this back to the bowler.

Time for spin as Nangeyalia Kharote comes on.

Mohammad Saleem to Mohammed Siraj, Back of a length, around off, Mohammed Siraj rocks onto his back foot and blocks this out.

Mohammed Siraj comes in next.

Mohammad Saleem to Manav Suthar, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Saleem gets his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Pitched-up delivery at 144 kph, around off, tempting the batter to come onto his front foot and play the expansive drive. Suthar does fall into the trap of temptation and goes for it. Gets an outside edge, and the keeper, Afsar Zazai, takes a regulation catch. With the end of this 54-run stand, India are now 510/7.

Mohammad Saleem to Manav Suthar, Saleem attacks the stumps with a fuller one, on off, Manav Suthar blocks this off his front foot.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Full and around off, Sundar punches this crisply through covers for a run.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Back of a length, on off, Sundar keeps it out.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Beaten on the outside edge. Around that nagging length, on off, shaping the ball away from the batter. Sundar has a poke at it away from his body but gets beaten.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, On a length, around middle and off, Suthar defends this off his front foot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Washington Sundar, Good length, around off, Washington Sundar dabs this to deep third for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Washington Sundar, Short and around off, Washington Sundar leaves it.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, Azmatullah goes full, around off, Manav Suthar pushes this to point and wanted a single but Sundar sent him back. The throw comes in towards the keeper's end but it misses the stumps and the keeper cannot get up to the stumps in time to gather the throw. It rolls behind square leg for an overthrow.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Washington Sundar, Hard length, around off, Sundar cuts this through point for a single more.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, Azmatullah errs in line and bowls it down the leg side, on a good length. Manav Suthar tucks this to fine leg for one. The 50-run stand comes up.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Good length, wide of off, Washington Sundar covers his off stump and leaves it.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Saleem goes full, angling it down the leg side. Washington Sundar tucks this to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, In the channel, on a good length, Washington Sundar pokes at it. The ball keeps low and it takes the bottom edge of Sundar's bat and bounces towards Rahmanullah Gurbaz at second slip.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, On a length, around off, Washington Sundar blocks in front of the stumps.

Mohammad Saleem to Manav Suthar, Good length, going across the batter. Manav Suthar guides this to deep third. They cross.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Saleem bowls a fuller delivery around off, Sundar drives this to the right of covers for one.

Mohammad Saleem (20-2-109-4) is back.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, A maiden for Azmatullah Omarzai, his 5th of the contest. Hard length, on middle and off, Manav Suthar blocks this to point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, Good length, around the pads, Manav tucks this to mid-wicket for a dot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, Bouncer down the leg side. Manav Suthar steps inside the line and leaves it.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, Full and around off, going across the batter. Manav Suthar leaves it.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, Short one, going across the batter. Manav Suthar keeps his guard down.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, Good length, around off, Manav pushes this towards covers.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Full and on middle and leg, Manav slogs this from the bottom of his bat towards long on for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Quicker one, around off, Manav Suthar blocks this off his front foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Tossed up, around off, Manav Suthar drives this through covers for a brace.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, SIX! Suthar is finding his footing as this is his second biggie of the game. Fuller on middle and off, Manav Suthar jumps down and away and lofts this up and over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie. This also brings up 500 on the board for India.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Quicker one, around off, Sundar plays this off his back foot and cuts this through the point region. Mohammad Saleem gives it a chase from covers and trips over, but does well to dive and flick the ball back inside the playing area, saving a run for his side.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, around middle and leg, Sundar pushes this to the bowler's left.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Washington Sundar, Back of a length, around off, Washington Sundar cuts this to deep point for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, On a length, drifting down the leg. Manav Suthar clips this through square leg for one run.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Manav Suthar, In the channel, on a good length, Manav Suthar leaves it all alone.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Washington Sundar, Good length, on middle and leg, Sundar tucks this in front of mid on for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Washington Sundar, Hard length, wide of off, Washington Sundar opens his bat face and guides this through the point region for two runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Washington Sundar, FOUR! Azmatullah Omarzai comes around the stumps, bowls it on a back of a length, around off, Washington Sundar gets up on his toes and punches this past the cover fielder to his left for a boundary.

Spin from the other end as well? Nope, it will be pace in the form of Azmatullah Omarzai.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Pushed through on off, Manav defends this off his front foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, SIX! Smashed down the ground for a biggie. Fuller around middle and off, Manav Suthar shimmies close to the pitch of the ball and smashes this right from the middle of his bat for a biggie towards the sight screen.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Tossed up, in the line of the stumps, Manav Suthar keeps it out off his front foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Quicker one, around off, Washington Sundar pushes this through mid on for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, on middle and off, Washington Sundar defends this out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Shahidi bowls a flighted delivery around off, Sundar pushes this to covers.

We are moments away from the start of the afternoon session. The Afghanistan players have taken their respective places on the field. Hashmatullah Shahidi will start wth his off-breaks. Washington Sundar to face the first ball. A slip and a silly point in place. Let's go...

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

How much more will India add? With two left-handers at the crease, expect Nangeyalia Kharote to play a much bigger role in the second session as the tourists look to bowl India out. The left-arm spinner will have his eyes on the rough that has started to develop around the left-handers' off stump. We will be back at 12.10 pm IST (6.40 am GMT) for the start of the second session. See you then!

Saleem made the difference - Shubman Gill would have been out lbw, while Rishabh Pant had also nicked one behind, but Afghanistan opted against reviewing on both occasions. It was Mohammad Saleem who led the way with the lengths he bowled with the new ball. While Omarzai did create those two chances, he still erred a touch on the shorter side at times. Saleem managed to strike twice before Hashmatullah Shahidi managed to prise out Pant.

A session of mixed fortunes - Just three wickets fell on the entirety of Day 1, but Afghanistan matched that tally in the morning session alone. Even so, India added 107 runs in 25 overs to push their total close to 500. After letting their quicks loosen up, Afghanistan took the second new ball. Azmatullah Omarzai created a couple of opportunities, but for the second day running, the visitors were left to rue their use of the DRS.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Manav Suthar, Fuller on middle and off, Manav Suthar blocks this off his front foot back to the bowler. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 2.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Manav Suthar, Tossed up, around off, Manav Suthar defends this off his front foot.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Washington Sundar, Quicker one, around off, Sundar punches this down to long on for one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Washington Sundar, Pushed through on middle and off, Washington Sundar tucks this to mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, around the pads, Sundar steps across and dabs this to short fine leg.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Washington Sundar, Flighted, around off, Washington Sundar blocks this off his front foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Under-cutter, around off, Manav Suthar defends this out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Fuller on off, Manav strides close to the pitch of the ball and blocks this off his front foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Shahidi gives it a lot more air, bowls it around off. Manav Suthar dead bats it.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Tossed up, around off, Manav defends this to silly point.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, FOUR! Yet another time, Manav puts on the dancing shoes and gets one away to the fence for four. Quicker one, around middle and leg, Manav Suthar jumps close to the pitch of the ball and smashes this aerially past the left of mid on for four runs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Fuller around off, Manav Suthar blocks this to silly point.

Abdul Malik to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, around off, Sundar pushes this down the track for a dot.

Abdul Malik to Washington Sundar, Full and on off, Sundar blocks this out.

Abdul Malik to Washington Sundar, FOUR! A streaky boundary for Sundar. Quicker through the air, flatter and around off. Washington Sundar rocks back to guide this through the point region, but the ball grips the surface, resulting in it catching the outer portion of the bat. It goes through the left of the first slip fielder for a boundary towards the third man region.

Abdul Malik to Washington Sundar, Abdul drags his length back a bit, bowls this full and around off, Washington Sundar blocks this out.

Abdul Malik to Manav Suthar, Fuller around off, Manav drives this towards the left of mid off and takes a run.

Abdul Malik to Washington Sundar, Short of a length, on off, Sundar pushes this through mid on for one.

It will be spin from both ends as Abdul Malik (6-0-37-0) has been called into the attack.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Pushed through on off, Manav defends this off his front foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Fuller on middle and leg, Manav is solid in defence.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Arm-delivery, on middle and leg. Manav blocks this off his front foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Fired onto the pads, Sundar tickles this to fine leg for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Quicker and flatter around off, Washington Sundar strides out in front and keeps it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, wide of off, Washington Sundar drives this to covers.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Good length, drifting down the leg side. Washington Sundar flicks this to fine leg for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Saleem goes full here around off, Sundar punches this to covers.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Saleem comes around the stumps, bowls it around that nagging length on off. Washington Sundar looks to block this off his front foot but gets an inside edge back onto his pads.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Saleem bowls this on a length and around the pads, Sundar flicks this through the gap between mid on and mid-wicket for two.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Full and wide of off, Sundar doesn't offer any stroke at it.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Good length, around off, Washington Sundar blocks this to covers.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Under-cutter, around off, Manav dabs this just short of the fielder at silly point.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Floated around off, Manav pats this to silly point.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Tossed up, around off, Manav gets on top of the bounce and keeps it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Full and wide of off, Manav pushes this to short cover.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, FOUR! Flighted, around off, Manav Suthar shimmies down the track and smashes this past the right of the mid on fielder for a boundary to score his first runs in Test cricket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Tossed up, around off, Manav Suthar defends this off his front foot.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Back-to-back maidens for Afghanistan. Good length, around off, Sundar keeps it out.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, In the channel, on a back of a length, Washington Sundar leaves it all alone.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Saleem bowls this on a back of a length, around off, Sundar gets up on his toes and blocks this to covers.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Hard length, on off, Sundar blocks this to the bowler's right.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Full and around off, going across the batter. Washington Sundar leaves it.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, Good length, around off, Washington Sundar pushes this towards covers.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Pushed through on off, Manav Suthar dabs this past silly point.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Manav Suthar, Yorker, on off, Manav Suthar blocks this out.

Manav Suthar walks out to bat on debut.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, OUT! CAUGHT! Rishabh Pant runs out of patience, and Hashmatullah Shahidi has his maiden Test wicket. Flighted, around off, the eyes of Pant light up as he sees the ball over his eyeline and dances down the track to go down the ground. Pant doesn't get close to the pitch of the ball and miscues this off the cue end straight towards Azmatullah Omarzai at the long off fence for a regulation catch.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Full and on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant defends this one off his front foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Floated into the batter, on middle and leg, Pant blocks this from the inner portion of his bat to square leg.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Fuller on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant blocks this towards the bowler's left.

First look at spin on Day 2 as Hashmatullah Shahidi brings himself on for his off-breaks.

Mohammad Saleem to Washington Sundar, FOUR! Runs for the batter, but a moral victory for the bowler. Back of a length, around off, close to the fourth stump line. Washington Sundar doesn't move his feet much and has a poke at it. Sundar gets an outside edge, and the ball drops short to the diving keeper's left and goes past the right of the first slip fielder for four runs.

Out goes Dhruv Jurel and in walks Washington Sundar.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, OUT! TIMBER! A bowler's delight as Saleem hits the top of off to knock Jurel over. Around that in-between length, around off, jagging back into the batter. Dhruv Jurel steps across, feeling that he has covered his off stump. Jurel leaves it, but the ball keeps coming back in and rattles the timber by hitting the top of the off stump. Mohammad Saleem gets his fourth wicket of the innings. India are now 5 down for 452.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, FOUR! Jurel is dealing mainly in boundaries. Short and around middle and off, the pace of Saleem doesn't threaten the batter. Jurel gets up on his toes and pulls this through the right of the mid-wicket fielder for four runs. India's 450 is up.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, Saleem bowls it on a length, on middle and leg, Jurel flicks this to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, A touch fuller, around off, Pant drives this through cover-point for one.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Good length, around off, Pant pushes this to covers.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Fuller on the pads, Pant flicks this through the square leg region for one.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, On off, on a back of a length, Jurel dabs it behind point for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Pant is safe! Good length around middle and leg, Pant ekes out an inside edge onto the pads and the ball dribbles towards square leg. The batters take one, but a lazy bit of running approach from Pant had him in trouble. The keeper, Afsar Zazai, races to pick the ball and hit the stumps directly at the bowling end. This is sent upstairs for a run-out check. The replay shows that Pant slid his bat inside the crease and got home.

Direct hit! Has Rishabh Pant been caught napping? The replays show that Pant did take it a bit casually, but he has made it in.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, FOUR BYES! This is really wayward from the bowler. Around that good length, going way down the leg side. Rishabh Pant offers no stroke at it and the ball goes further down with the angle. The keeper puts in a dive but can't get anywhere near it. The ball races to the fine leg fence for four byes.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Ziaur comes around the stumps, bowls it on a length and angling it back into the batter. Rishabh Pant leaves it.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Full and on the pads, Pant flicks this well but straight to mid on.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, Beaten on the outside edge. Right in the channel, around off, shaping away from the batter. Jurel comes onto his front foot and looks to punch this down the ground but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, FOUR! Jurel is peppering that deep third region well. Good length, wide of off, Dhruv Jurel rocks back inside the crease, plays this late and cuts this through the gap between gully and backward point for four runs.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, On a length, wide of off, Jurel gives it a good look and decides not to poke at it.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, Good length, on off, Dhruv Jurel blocks this off his front foot.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, Full and around the pads, drifting down the leg side. Dhruv Jurel flicks this through square leg for a couple.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, LEG BYE! Saleem hits the deck hard and cramps Pant for any sort of room. The ball deflects off the thigh pad of Pant and rolls towards the leg side, allowing the batters to take a leg bye.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, Seam up, straight one, on a length, wide of off. Dhruv Jurel offers no stroke at it.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, Good length, on middle and leg, Dhruv Jurel blocks this to the leg side.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, Hard length, on top of off, Dhruv Jurel rocks onto his back foot and blocks this out.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, Beauty of a delivery from Ziaur Rahman. Right in the channel, angling in and moving away after pitching, around off. Dhruv Jurel plays down the wrong line and gets beaten on his outside edge.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Short and into the batter, on middle and leg. Rishabh Pant tucks this to mid-wicket for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Full and around off, Rishabh Pant pushes this towards the left of sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, FOUR! Perfectly placed in the gap for four. Short but not that wide outside off, Jurel hangs onto his back foot, opens the face of his bat and guides this through the gap between gully and backward point for four runs.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Back of a length, around off, Pant guides this towards deep point for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Around that nagging length, on off, going across the batter. Pant leaves it.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Hard length, around off, Pant blocks this to covers.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Oh, on any other day, that could have gone back onto the stumps. Short and wide of off, Rishabh Pant rises with the bounce and looks for a square cut. The ball takes an inside edge and it bounces to the right of the keeper for a boundary towards the fine leg region.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Slower one, around off, going across the batter. Pant pokes at it but gets beaten. The ball drops in front of the keeper.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, Ziaur sticks on a good length and within the sticks. Jurel pushes this to mid on.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, Good length, on middle and leg, Dhruv Jurel tucks this to mid-wicket for no run.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, Full and on middle and leg, Dhruv Jurel flicks this straight to mid-wicket.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, Good length, on off, Dhruv Jurel defends this off his back foot.

Ziaur Rahman to Dhruv Jurel, In the channel, on a length. Dhruv Jurel gives it a good look and leaves it.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Pitched-up delivery, around off, Rishabh Pant drives this to sweeper cover for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Dhruv Jurel, FOUR! Jurel is up and running straight away. Saleem digs it on a hard length, over off and middle. The height does not trouble Dhruv, who stands tall and swivels to hammer the pull in front of square to get going.

DRINKS! Afghanistan are finally rewarded for continuing to bowl into the right areas as Shubman Gill departs at the stroke of a hydration break. India have once again scored at a rapid pace, but the visitors would be gutted to not have gone up earlier in Azmatullah Omarzai's over, where he could have got either of the two overnight batters had they opted for DRS. Well, that can't be undone now, so they'll be needing to keep on taking wickets at regular intervals. Dhruv Jurel walks out next to bat.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, OUT! CAUGHT! Mohammad Saleem strikes. Seam-up ball, on a short of a length, just outside the off stump. Gill tries to punch it away on the off side off the back foot and stays leg side of the ball. The ball takes an outside edge and it is a healthy deflection. The keeper, Afsar Zazai moves to his right and snaffles it safely. End of a top knock from the Indian skipper. Afghanistan break the 169-run stand. India are now 416/4.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, On the off stump, on a good length. Gill pats it to cover.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Had to hurry! Saleem pushes the length up, on off. Pant pushes it with a straight bat to the left of mid off. Nangeyalia Kharote is a bit deep there and he gets around before having a shy at the bowling end. Rishabh is in by then.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Hits the deck hard, does Saleem, on a short of a good length. Gill rides the bounce nicely and cuts it to deep point. They cross.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Landing outside the line of the leg stump, on a back of a length. Pant is beaten on the tickle. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes off the pads on the leg side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Moving back in again but this is fuller, outside off. Gill shoulders arms.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Shaping back in, the length is pulled back a bit, on middle. Shubman knocks it to the right of the bowler.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Serves it on a length, on the off stump. Pant drops it in front of cover and hurries to the other end.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Fuller and angled in at the pads, Rishabh nurdles it to mid-wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Goes past the bat! Bowled by going wide on the crease, on a nagging length, outside off. Pant pokes at it and is lucky not to nick this one behind.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Dishes it out on a hard length, outside off. Pant sways away to let it pass.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, FOUR! In the gap! Mohammad Saleem bangs it in short, over middle, Shubman stands tall and swivels to pull it behind square to the left of deep fine leg for the second boundary of the over.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Keeps it at the stumps, full in length, driven to mid on.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Fine shot. Saleem goes full in search of swing and finds a hint of inward shape, on the off stump. Shubman springs onto the front foot for the drive. Plays it back towards the bowler and Saleem can only get fingertips to it on the follow-through. It races past mid off's right for a boundary.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Around the off stump, on a good length. Shubman blocks it close to his body.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, On the pads, on a length. Rishabh wrists it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Delivers it full, on middle. Pant gets behind the line to defend.

Mohammad Saleem (13-1-67-2) replaces Ziaur Rahman in the attack.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Keeps it in and around the off stump, on a short of a length. Gill stabs it down off the back foot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Nicely done! Hurls it on a back of a length, outside off. Gill lets the ball come to him and opens the bat face to run it down to deep third for a four. The 400 is up for India.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Uppishly played! Floated up there by Omarzai, on middle. Gill leans forward for the drive and presents the full face of the blade. Chips it back to the bowler's right. Azmatullah sticks out his right hand but fails to lay fingertips to it. Pant was not backing up too far and was alert enough to plonk his back leg inside the crease quickly.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Slightly on the shorter side, over off. Shubman defends it from the crease.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, A bit more effort on this ball. Banged into the deck, on off. Rishabh drops it with soft hands to the right of cover for a quick single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, At 132.2 kph, lands it on a good length, on off. Pant covers the line and blocks it off.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Put away with ease! Rahman errs in line as he offers a lot of width. This is fractionally short, and Gill slaps it hard, beating the man at deep point to his right. The 150-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Moving back in the air, on a good length, just outside the off stump. Shubman pats it to cover.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Goes fuller now, outside off. Gill taps it beside the strip on the off side.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Dug in short, over off. Pant helps the pull behind square leg and turns the strike over.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Switches to around the wicket now, this keeps coming back in, around off, on a short of a length. Rishabh Pant leaves it all alone.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Up and over! Going away with the angle, on a length. Pant shimmies down the track and reaches out to flay it over cover for his 5th boundary of the innings. The stand moves to 146.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Omarzai keeps attacking the stumps, this time with a length delivery on middle and off. Gill punches this back to the bowler.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Good length, on middle and leg, drifting down the leg side. Shubman Gill tucks this to mid-wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Full and wide of off, Rishabh Pant drives this towards sweeper cover for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Back of a length, in the line of the stumps. Pant pushes this to the off side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Azmatuallah bowls this on a hard length, angling into the batter. Rishabh Pant blocks this towards short covers.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Beaten! In the channel, on off, Pant fiddles at it and is beaten on the outside edge.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Width offered, on a length, Gill reaches out and slams it well but can't get it past extra cover.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, On a back of a length, on off, Pant dabs it to deep point for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, FOUR LEG BYES! Drifting on the pads, on a length. Pant fails to lay any bat on the glance. It goes off the pads and beats the keeper to his right. It races down to the deep fine leg fence.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Pushed across off, on a good length. Pant leaves it alone.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Not from the middle but Pant won't mind. This is on a length, on middle. Rishabh Pant dances down the track and swings hard at it. It goes off the inner half through backward square leg for a boundary.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Lands it full, on middle. Gill shapes up for the flick but the ball holds its line to catch a soft leading edge. It goes behind point for a run.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, On a good length, on middle. Pant gets behind the line to defend.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Where has this come off? Angled in, on the off stump. Pant defends down the wrong line as the ball straightens off the deck. It brushes the back thigh before going behind towards the keeper. Well, well, twice in two balls have Afghanistan missed out on taking a review. The UltraEdge shows that the ball grazed the outside edge and then brushed the back thigh before being taken low by the keeper.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, A big opportunity missed! Shaping back in, full and on middle. Gill lunges for the block but is beaten on the inside edge to be rapped on the pads. There were two noises. Afghanistan have only one review left and before they can make up their mind, they have run out of time. Oh, dear, Afghanistan may well have missed another here. The two noises are from the ball brushing the front pad first and then the back pad. The Ball Tracking comes up as three reds with the ball hitting the leg stump. The batters managed to cross over as the ball went away on the off side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Good-length delivery, honing in on the off stump, Shubman is solid in defence.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Just a bit of nip away from the off stump. Shubman is slightly squared up on the block.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Nice and tight, bowled on a good length, on top of off. Shubman keeps it out from the crease.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Full and well wide on off, Pant offers no shot.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Rahman drifts down leg, Rishabh walks inside the line but misses out on the tickle.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Goes wide on the crease and attacks the front pad with a good-length ball. Pant brings his bat out in front to stab it down on the leg side.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Hooping back in, full and wide on off. Pant pushes away from his body and miscues it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Curving away from the right-hander, full in length. Gill leans on for the drive and plays it through point for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Pitched up by Rahman, around off. A touch of away swing but Gill blocks it off with a straight bat.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Left alone! Too wide to make the batter play by Azmatullah Omarzai. Pant lets it pass.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, Half a shout for LBW! Slanting back in at the sticks from around the wicket, on a back of a length. Pant hangs back to deal with it but is beaten for pace and also by the seam movement. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit high on the pads.

Afghanistan has finally taken the second new ball in the 87th over, having delayed the option to ensure their frontline pacers were fresh.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! First sign of intent from Pant on Day 2. Pushed across the left-hander, on the fuller side. Rishabh gives the bowler the charge and extends his hands to drive it through covers for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, In the channel on off, bowled on a length. Gill plays a punchy drive to deep point and crosses over.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, A hint of inward shape, on the off stump, on a short of a length. Shubman covers the line and blocks it off.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Begins on a good length, around off. Gill taps it down on the off side off the front foot.

Azmatullah Omarzai will be bowling from the other end.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, From around the wicket for the left-hander, bowled on a nagging length, on middle. Pant turns it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, It is short and wide again, outside off. Shubman reaches out for the cut but ends up chopping it wide of point. They cross.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Short and wide on off, there to be put away. Gill throws his hands at the ball, but it keeps low and sneaks under the blade. It goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Beaten! This moves away slightly off the deck, on a nagging length, just outside the off stump. Shubman feels for the ball a bit and is beaten on the outside edge.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, First runs of Day 2. Keeps it on a good length, on middle and leg. Gill leans across and wrists it past mid-wicket. Sediqullah Atal hunts it down and prevents the boundary with a slide. Two runs taken.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Angled back into the right-hander, on a good length. Gill presses forward and clips it to mid-wicket.

We are all set to get going. Another testing day awaits the players under what are expected to be demanding conditions. Hashmatullah Shahidi has his men in a huddle near the ropes for one final word before they take the field. They are followed by Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Afghanistan are starting with the old ball. Ziaur Rahman will open the attack. Gill is on strike. Here we go...

A quick word with India's number 3 - Sai Sudharsan says he was well set and feels it could have been a much bigger innings. While disappointed not to convert it into a hundred, he is happy to have made a meaningful contribution to the team's cause. On the switch from white-ball to red-ball cricket, Sudharsan says there is not a huge mental difference. He believes it comes down to decision-making and making a few minor adjustments to suit the format. Sai shares that he spent time watching videos and preparing for what the Afghan bowlers might try. More than anything, it was about trusting himself and backing his game, something he feels helped him throughout the innings.

PITCH REPORT - Former India wicketkeeper, Deep Dasgupta is alongside former Australia captain Michael Clarke. Clarke notes that the middle of the pitch still looks almost brand new, with only a couple of ball marks visible. He points out that it is a touch drier closer to the crease and expects the rough to become a little more pronounced by the end of the day. Michael feels the surface played slightly slow and low on Day 1 and expects more of the same today. His advice to the bowlers is simple - attack the stumps. Dasgupta agrees with Clarke's assessment. He believes it remains a very good wicket for batting, though it could get slower with time.

Afghanistan's search for wickets - For Hashmatullah Shahidi and his side, a fresh day brings renewed hope after a gruelling 85 overs in the field. The visitors know that early wickets are the only currency that can buy them a way back into this contest. If their bowling attack fails to strike in the first hour, they risk chasing shadows for the rest of the day. Afghanistan’s primary objective for the morning is to win the first session by executing disciplined lines, exploiting any early moisture, and breaking the ominous Gill-Pant partnership. The scoring rate in the first session will provide a fair idea about India's thought process. An exciting day of Test cricket awaits.

Will Pant cut loose? Resuming the action alongside Gill is Rishabh Pant, who has played a fascinatingly uncharacteristic innings so far. Known for his explosive and high-risk boundary-hitting, Pant curbed his natural instincts on Day 1 to grind out an unbeaten 50. His disciplined approach added immense stability to the Indian middle order during the final session. All eyes will be on the wicketkeeper-batter this morning to see if he continues this patient job or unleashes his trademark aggressive style.

Greetings, all! Welcome to Day 2 of this one-off Test. India finished the opening day in a position of absolute authority, racking up a commanding 368 for 3 after 85 overs. The home side's batting depth was on full display as two batters notched up magnificent centuries. KL Rahul anchored the innings beautifully with a 100 before his dismissal, while Shubman Gill remained unblemished, finishing the day unbeaten on 103. They were well-supported by Sai Sudharsan, who missed out on a maiden Test ton with a brilliant 81.

... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...

Afghanistan search for a way back - With their pacers being tired, the visitors opted against taking the second new ball late in the day, but expect them to take it straight away on the second morning. It is imperative that they make the new ball count if they are to prevent India from batting them out of the contest. Rishabh Pant was uncharacteristically restrained during his stay at the crease, and whether the handbrake comes off on Day 2 remains to be seen. Ideally, the hosts will want to bat once, bat big and put Afghanistan under immense scoreboard pressure. Join us again on Sunday, June 7, with the first ball on Day 2 set to be bowled at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT). Until then, take care and goodbye!

Gill and Rahul led the charge - After India won the toss, KL Rahul had to tussle early in his innings against the slower nature of the surface, but he gradually grew in confidence and eventually brought up a well-crafted century. Sai Sudharsan looked positive from the outset and played fluently throughout his stay at the crease before falling short of what would have been his maiden Test hundred. Both batters rode their luck with Rahul nicking one behind when he was on 16, but Afghanistan opted against a review, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz put down a tough chance when Sudharsan was on 20. Shubman Gill looked in complete control during his stay at the crease, and with Afghanistan's bowlers beginning to tire in the final session, Gill and Rishabh Pant combined to press home India's advantage.

Afghanistan were made to work hard - The tourists showed promising signs with the new ball, but whatever little moisture was on offer in the morning gradually disappeared. That left the bowlers with very little assistance from the surface thereafter. That said, Afghanistan's quicks deserve plenty of credit. Despite the extreme heat, they kept plugging away throughout the day, with Ziaur Rahman and Mohammad Saleem looking the most likely to create opportunities. The debutant left-arm spinner, Nangeyalia Kharote, initially struggled with his consistency, but during the final hour or so, he began to find the right areas with greater regularity.

Let's hear from one of the centurions - KL Rahul says that he is feeling really happy to have spent some time in the middle and to have made the switch from T20 to Test in a really short time. Adds that the ball was not coming on nicely, and the track looked slow, which was expected by them after the training we had here. KL reckons that there is no better thing than spending time in the middle, as that's the best way you can assess a track or conditions. Rahul says that he has changed his style in the T20 format and believes that not having much turnaround time sometimes helps as well. Shares that in the morning session, he played a few more shots than he would normally, but he isn't angry because such things happen. Feels the track will assist good bowling, and the spinners will come into play as the cracks have started to open.

A dominant day for India - Headlined by centuries from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, the home side cashed in on conditions that did not trouble the batters much beyond the opening session. It was a tough day at the office for Afghanistan, where they could not put it together with the ball for long periods. The inexperience of a side still finding its feet in Test cricket was evident at times, but these are the kind of days that can prove invaluable in the long run.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Full and on off, Shubman Gill tucks this through square leg for one. That will be STUMPS ON DAY 1.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, 19th TEST FIFTY FOR PANT! A very unlike Pant knock, but he has done really well to restrict his natural self and respect the conditions and grind hard for his half-century, saying this despite Pant smoking 3 biggies and 2 boundaries. Good length, around off, Pant opens the face of his bat and guides this to the third man region to bring up his half-century with a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, On a length, around the pads, Gill flicks this past the diving mid-wicket fielder just for one. Even the batters are tired at this point.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Fuller delivery, in the line of the stumps, Gill punches this towards mid on.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Back of a length, around off, Rishabh Pant cuts this through point for a strike rotation.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Good length, angled into the batter, Pant blocks this one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, around off, Gill defends this one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Full and around off, Pant drives this through covers for one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Quicker one, on off, Rishabh Pant defends it out.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Pant has resisted the temptation to play this scoop for long but not on this occasion. Short and wide down the leg side, Rishabh Pant comes inside the line and scoops this towards the fine leg fence for four runs.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Turning back in, on a good length, on middle. Pant lunges for the block but is beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the front pad.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Short of a length, around off, Gill cuts this to deep point for one.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Good length, on off, Rishabh Pant pokes at it but gets beaten.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, 11th TEST TON FOR SHUBMAN GILL! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Gill leans inside the line of the ball and milks it past the right of the square leg fielder for a single to bring up his century on his home turf. It has been a rather dreamy knock from the Indian skipper, and some of those flicks and drives from the bat of Gill have been splendid.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Good length, on the pads, Gill nudges this to square leg. Pant was charging for a single but Gill sends him back.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Pitched-up delivery, on the pads, Gill flicks this straight to mid on.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, on off, Gill thumps this to covers. Stays on 99.

Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Saleem bowls this full and wide of off, Pant opens the face of his bat and guides this to the deep third region for one.

Pace back on in the form of Mohammad Saleem. It looks as though Afghanistan are going to take the new ball tomorrow, when their quicks are fresh, and conditions could potentially offer a little more assistance.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Under-cutter, around off, Pant pushes this gently through covers for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Full and on the pads, Gill flicks this past mid-wicket for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Arm-delivery, around the pads, Gill stands tall and tucks this through the square leg region. Calls for two straightaway and completes that with ease.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Fired into the batter, on middle and off, Gill keeps it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Loopy delivery, around off, Pant hammers this down to long off for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! First four to Pant's column in this contest. Short of a length, on middle and off, Pant rocks back and pulls this through the mid-wicket region for four runs. 350 comes up for India.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to continue...

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, The 100-run stand comes up between Pant and Gill. Full and wide of off, Pant knocks this down to long off for one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, around off, Gill drives this to long off for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Too full this time on middle and off, Pant hammers this past the bowler to his right for a single. A half-stop from the bowler but the ball still dribbles behind him for one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Kharote bowls this full and on middle and leg. Pant offers a straight bat and keeps it out.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Loopy delivery, around off, Gill drives this through covers for one run.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Under-cutter, down the leg side, Gill tickles this towards the fine leg region for two runs.

The second new ball is now available. Afghanistan are sticking to the old ball for now.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Pushed through on off, Pant defends this right back to the bowler.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Fuller around off, Pant slices this to point.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Drifts one into the batter and it straightens after pitching. Rishabh Pant rocks back inside the crease and keeps it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Darted onto the pads, Gill stands tall and milks this through backward square leg for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Quicker one around off, Gill punches this to mid off for a dot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Full and on middle and leg, Gill jumps close to the pitch of the ball and tucks this towards short mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Tossed up, around off, Pant pushes this towards short extra cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Short of a length, around off, Gill cuts this off his back foot to the right of backward point for one as the fielder only made a half-stop.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Kharote goes full and on off, Pant plays this down to a deepish mid on for one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Fuller around off, driven through mid off for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Quicker one, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill tucks this to the leg side.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Aimed at the off stump, Shubman Gill defends this out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Floated around off, Pant strides out in front and pushes this to cover-point.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Fired onto the pads, Gill rocks onto his back foot and nudges this through square leg for a run.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Flighted around off, Pant drives this through covers for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Full and around off, Rishabh Pant defends this one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Tossed up, around off, Pant jams this out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Fuller on the pads, Gill tucks this through square leg for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Sliding across again, on a good length. Rishabh stabs it down the deck.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Flat and short, on off, turned away to square leg.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Very full this time, on middle. Pant pushes it back to Kharote.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Angled across off, on the shorter side. Pant hops back to defend.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Full and quick, on middle. Rishabh Pant goes deep in the crease to keep it out.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, A bit too short and wide on off, this is cut to deep point for a single by the Indian skipper.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Shorter in length, on middle. Rishabh tucks it beside the strip on the leg side and is keen for a quick single but Gil sends him back.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Fuller and on off. Shubman reaches out in front to play it back past the bowler's right for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Around off, Shubman drives it to mid on.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Good effort! Keeps it full, on middle. Shubman Gill steps out and whips it with the spin wide of long on. The fielder sprints and dives to his right to save a couple of runs for his side.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Floated up, on off. Gill defends with the bat close to the front pad.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Flighted delivery, on off. Gill whips it to mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Slower and drifting onto the pads. Shubman flicks it to deep square leg for another single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Lands it full again, on middle. This is driven to cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Nice and full, on middle. Gill block it off.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Fractionally short, turning into the pads. Rishabh nurdles it with the spin wide of square leg for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, At the toes, Gill eases this full ball to long on and turns the strike over.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Drops it short, down leg. Rishabh shovels it through square leg for a run.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Looped up, bowled full and on off. Pant works it to long on and retains the strike with a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, On middle and leg. Gill steps out, takes the ball on the full and flicks it to deep mid-wicket. Just a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Sliding on with the arm, full and on middle. Pant ekes out an inside edge as he tries to block. It goes behind on the leg side and the batters cross over.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Pushes it through, on a length, on middle. Rishabh brings his bat out in front to defend.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, on off. Gill advances and eases it to long on. They cross.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Delivers it full, on middle. Shubman clips it to mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Quicker through the air now, on off. Gill jams it out to long off for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Gives it a bit of air, full and on middle. Gill pushes it to cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, In the blockhole, on middle. Shubman digs it out.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Lovely stuff! Slower and on a good length, spinning away from the right-hander. Gill pushes at the ball but it keeps low and spins away to beat the bat.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Keeps the stumps in play, full in length. Gill leans on for the block.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Attacking the front pad with a full ball. Shubman defends it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, From around the wicket for the left-hander, full and in line with the off stump. Watchfully kept out by Pant.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Drops it short, on middle. Gill hops back and jabs it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, A bit of turn. Loopy, on a length, on middle. Gill plays it with the spin to mid-wicket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Quicker, on middle. This is clipped to mid-wicket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Floated up, full and on middle. Gill advances and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Short and on the pads. Pant flicks it through square leg and rotates the strike.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Fine wristwork. Coming in with the arm, full and on middle. Gill brings his wrists into play and presses forward to play the flick to the right of the mid on fielder. The fielder gives it a chase and dives, but in vain.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Low full toss, on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Back to bowling it full, on off. Gill dabs it to point.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Gets it through! This is slower through the air by Kharote. He offers a bit of width and the length is short. Gill reaches out and steers it with an open bat face past the diving backward point fielder for a boundary.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Around the off stump, on a length. Shubman is solid in defence.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Fires it in full and on the off stump. Gill squeezes it out to cover.

DRINKS! At 311 for 3 with around an hour still to go on Day 1, India sit firmly in the driver's seat. The planning from the Indian contingent will be interesting to see, as these are really hot conditions and the pace at which these two are going, it gives an impression that India wants to pile up as much as they can at a rapid rate. Will India think of batting for long hours on Day 2 as well, and just bat once or something else, looking at the conditions? A lot of answers to be found as the game goes on, but right now India are in the pole position.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Flighted delivery, full and outside off. Shubman Gill steps out and wrists it to wide long on. They cross.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Fuller and down leg, Pant helps it towards short fine leg and gets to the other end.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Drifting in at the pads, on a good length. Pant presses back and nurdles it to square leg.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Looped up, fuller and on middle. Rishabh keeps it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Short and on the off stump. Pant taps it back to the bowler.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, A rank long hop, on off. Shubman Gill drags the pull to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Speared in now, full and on off. Gill works it down to long off and picks up a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Attacking the front pad from around the wicket. Shubman Gill reaches out in front for the block.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Flat and short, on off. Gill cuts it straight to backward point.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, This keeps a bit low, fuller and on middle. Shubman plays it back to the bowler.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Shorter and on the pads. Pant works it with the spin behind square leg for a run.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Short and on middle, Gill pushes it down to long on for a single.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, Tossed up, around off, Rishabh Pant dead bats it.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, NO BALL! Full and on off, Pant blocks this one. The siren goes around to indicate that the bowler has overstepped.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, SIX! This is what Pant does to a bowler. Abdul was bowling fine before this over, but one stroke from Pant made him rethink his length, and the rest is 18 runs off this over in total, with a ball to spare. The 300 is up for India.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, SIX! Pant's engine room is just warming up. Juicy full toss, around shin high, Pant shimmies down the track and slogs this over the fence towards the deep mid-wicket region for six more. 96th six in Tests for Rishabh, and he now has the most sixes for an Indian in Test cricket, according to Abhinav Mukund. The 50-run stand also comes up between this pair.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, Full and on middle and off, Rishabh Pant dead bats it.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, Fired into the batter, Pant rocks back and blocks this out.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, SIX! Finally, the shackles have been broken by Pant. Tossed up, around off, Rishabh Pant shimmies down the track, gets close to the pitch of the ball and smashes this up and over the long on fence for a biggie.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, A touch fuller and on the pads, Pant milks this through square leg for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, On a length, around off, Rishabh Pant blocks this towards covers.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Full and drifting way down the leg. Pant goes for a flick but misses out.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Ziaur bowls it in the channel, around off. Pant looks to block this off his front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Short and around off, Pant cuts this off the upper half off his bat to point.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Good length, down the leg side. Pant leaves it.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, Fuller into the batter, Pant rolls this down to long on for one.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, Tossed up, around off, Rishabh Pant thumps this towards the bowler. Shouts of catch it from the keeper but the bowler drops it. Replay shows that it was a bump ball and it was not a chance.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, NO BALL! Full and on middle and off, Pant blocks this out. The siren goes around again. Malik has overstepped for the second ball in a row.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, NO BALL! Tossed up, around off, Pant plays down the wrong line and gets beaten on the outside edge. A loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire turns it down. It wouldn't have mattered as the siren goes off to signal that Abdul has overstepped.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, Tossed up, around off, Pant blocks this out.

Abdul Malik to Rishabh Pant, Fuller around off, Rishabh Pant presses onto his front foot, plays this with soft hands and the ball goes away from the outer portion of his bat through the left of the first slip fielder for a couple.

Abdul Malik to Shubman Gill, Slightly short of a length, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill pulls this through square leg for one.

Abdul Malik to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, on the pads, Shubman Gill flicks this to square leg.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Hard length, around off, Rishabh Pant blocks this off his front foot towards covers.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Good length, on off, Rishabh Pant blocks this towards the mid-wicket region.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Hard length, around off, Pant blocks this off his front foot. Pant is not just swinging his bat and the presser from India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate before the game hinted exactly that.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, around off, Gill guides this to the deep third man region for one.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Short and around the left armpit of the batter. Rishabh Pant tucks this through square leg and rotates the strike.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Short and wide of off, Shubman Gill guides this to the left of point and takes one.

Abdul Malik to Shubman Gill, Fired down the leg side, Shubman Gill goes for a sweep but doesn't time it well enough. The ball dribbles from the inner portion of his bat to the right of short fine leg for one.

Abdul Malik to Shubman Gill, Flighted on the pads, Shubman Gill clips this to short mid-wicket.

Abdul Malik to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, on the pads, Shubman Gill tucks this to mid-wicket.

Abdul Malik to Shubman Gill, Fuller around off, Shubman Gill finds mid off with a drive again.

Abdul Malik to Shubman Gill, Short of a length, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill collapses his back knee and pulls this to the right of deep square leg for a couple.

Abdul Malik to Shubman Gill, Low full toss, around off, Shubman Gill drives this well but straight to mid off.

Abdul Malik (3-0-9-0) comes on to bowl his off-breaks.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Full and wide of off, Pant offers a dead bat at it.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Short and wide of off, Shubman Gill cuts this through point for one run.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Gill has decided to up the ante even more, it feels. Pitched-up delivery, on off, Shubman Gill steps across, gets inside the line of the ball and flicks this through the right of the mid on fielder for four runs.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Full and around off, Shubman Gill drives this well off his front foot to the left of mid off. A good fielding effort by the fielder, diving to his left, saves 4 for the side.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Even the edges are flying to the fence for Gill. This was bowled around that nagging length from Ziaur, on middle and off, Gill looks to flick this away but gets squared up. The ball takes an outside edge and races to the third man fence for four runs.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Hard length, around off, shaping back into the batter. Shubman Gill blocks this off his front foot.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, That brings up a 9th Test fifty for Shubman Gill. Good length, around off, Gill arches back and guides this through point for a single to bring up his half-century. Gill has looked the best of all the Indian batters to have batted so far in this game.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, FOUR LEG BYES! Saleem goes full and dishes this down the leg side. Gill steps inside the line and looks to flick this away but gets it brushed off his pads for a boundary towards the fine leg region.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Gill is finding the gaps at will. Short and wide of off, Shubman Gill rocks back and slashes hard at it. Cuts this through the backward point region for yet another boundary.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, FOUR! A touch of reverse swing on offer here for Saleem but Gill nails the cover drive for four. On a length, around off, shaping just a hint away from the batter. Shubman Gill leans onto the stroke and drives this through covers for four runs.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Full and wide of off, Shubman Gill pushes this from the inner portion of his bat to mid off.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, on the pads, Gill flicks this through square leg for a couple.

Mohammad Saleem (10-1-50-2) has been brought back, so it will be pace from both ends.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Good length, on the pads, Rishabh Pant tucks this to the leg side for a dot.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Hard length, on top of off, Rishabh Pant blocks this out.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Ziaur goes full and around the pads, Rishabh Pant flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a couple to get off the mark.

Ziaur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Good length, around off, Rishabh Pant presents a full face of his bat and keeps it out.

Rishabh Pant makes his way out to bat.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, OUT! CAUGHT! Rahul and Indian fans are not allowed to celebrate the ton for long as KL chips one to Gurbaz at short cover right after reaching the triple figures. Pitched-up delivery, around off, KL Rahul looks to play the expansive drive. Gets it away from the outer half of his bat, and the ball was flying low and to the left of Rahmanullah Gurbaz at short cover. Gurbaz gets low and holds onto this with both hands to his left. KL Rahul gets dismissed right after scoring 100. With the end of a 67-run stand, India are now 247/3.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, CENTURY NUMBER 12 IN TESTS FOR RAHUL. Full and angled in at the pads. KL Rahul leans inside and flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a couple. Rahul is playing a proper Test knock, as he was struggling early on, but he is looking in a much better place now. KL takes the helmet off and acknowledges the applause with a raise of the bat.

DRINKS! It has been another phase of play where the home side, India, have managed to dominate proceedings with the bat. KL Rahul is just 2 shy of a well-deserved ton, whereas the Indian skipper, Shubman Gill, is complementing him perfectly from the other end. It is really hot out in the middle, and the bowlers aren't getting much from the surface other than the odd ball that is keeping low. India will look to make the most of the remaining period of play on Day 1 and pile up a total around 350 by the time play ends on the opening day.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Fuller now and angled in at the stumps. Shubman Gill leans forward for the block.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Flat and short, on off. Shubman taps it to cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Attacking the front pad with a full ball. Gill is solid in defence.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Shorter and turning away, on off. KL punches it to deep cover and moves to 98 with this single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Full and quick, at the stumps, Gill wrists it wide of mid-wicket for a run.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Sliding on with the arm, full and on middle. Gill defends it off the front foot.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Drifting onto the pads, on the fuller side. KL plays it along the ground to mid on.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Fuller and tailing back in, on middle. Gill presses forward for the drive. It comes off the inner half and rolls to mid-wicket. The sub fielder, Qais Ahmad dives to his left and ends up parrying it away from the mid on fielder. That allows the batters to cross over.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Hits the good length, on the off pole. Shubman stabs it down on the off side.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Full and around the off stump, Shubman eases it to mid off by extending his hands.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Stays full and keeps the stumps in play, Gill pushes it to mid on.

Ziaur Rahman to Shubman Gill, Attacking the front pad, full in length. Gill drives it to mid on.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, FOUR! Dispatched! A bit too short by Hashmatullah Shahidi, outside off. Rahul needs no second invitation as he rocks back, makes room and slaps it past cover for a boundary. Moves to 97, does KL.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Fires it full and on middle. Shubman flicks it to the right of long on and crosses over.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Slower and on a good length, on off and middle. Gill pats it to the right of the bowler.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Drops it short, on middle. KL hops back and punches it to the left of mid off for a quick single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Keeps it nice and slow, full and on middle. Rahul blocks it out by getting forward.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Offers flight, full and on off. Rahul uses his feet to smother the spin.

Halt! Azmatullah Omarzai is feeling the heat and after toiling hard, he is walking off the field alongside Afghanistan's team physio.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Slower one, bowled into the surface, on middle. Rahul waits on the back foot and works it behind square leg. Keeps the strike with a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Pitches it up, outside off. Rahul extends his hands and eases it to cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Attacks the stumps with a good-length ball. KL defends it right under his eyes.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Varies his length as this is dug in short, over middle. Gill gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down to deep fine leg for a run.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Pace taken off now, fuller and on off. Shubman Gill reaches out in front for the block.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Cutting back in a bit, on a back of a length, on the off stump. Shubman plays it off the back foot to mid off.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Low full toss, on leg. Rahul steps out and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Attacking the front pad, on a good length, on middle. Gill wrists it through square leg and crosses over.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Slower and shorter, turning back in, on middle. Rahul rocks back and adjusts to the low bounce. Pulls it towards mid-wicket, where the fielder tumbles to his left but can only make a half stop. They cross.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Pushed through, on off. Rahul hangs back to a full ball and punches it through point for a couple of runs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Looped up, wide on off, inviting the drive. Rahul goes for it but ends up bunting it down the wicket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Hashmatullah Shahidi brings himself back into the attack. Very full, on middle. KL digs it out back to the bowler.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Tailing back in, on a good length, on the off stump. Gill gets right behind the line and is solid in defence.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Keeps it around that off stump, does Omarzai. Shubman angles it to point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Back to that back of a length, outside off. Gill dabs it to point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, This keeps a bit low, outside off. Not short enough for the cut and Gill ends up chopping it down on the off side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, The 50-run stand comes up with this single. Pushes the length up and this is outside off. Rahul reaches out and checks the drive as he plays it to deep point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Hooping back in, on a back of a length, on top of off. Rahul knocks it from the crease to mid off.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, This is a bit quicker and fuller as well, on middle. Gill wrists it to mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Pitching outside the line of the leg stump, on a good length. Shubman leans forward for the block.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Flighted delivery at the sticks, Rahul comes forward and works it to long off for one more.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Fuller and on off. Rahul pushes it to cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Stays on the shorter side, on off. Gill hangs back and cuts it past point. Ziaur Rahman gives it a long chase and dives to prevent the boundary. He flicks it back in and saves a run for his side.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Fractionally short, going across. Rahul taps it wide of cover and takes a quick single. There is a direct hit at the bowling end but KL is in by then.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Down leg, on a hard length. Gill thinks about going for the pull but then bails out of the shot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Bends his back and digs it in short, over off. Shubman sways away and drops his wrists.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Hits the top of off at 133 kph, Gill defends it right under his eyes.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, A bit shorter, around the off stump. Shubman stays back to stab it down.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Class written all over it. Bowled on a length, on middle. Gill walks into the shot and, with a still head, he plays a wristy flick through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shubman Gill, Slanting in at the pads. Gill tucks it to square leg.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Slows it down now, on a nagging length, on off. KL gets forward to defend.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Full and fired in, on off. Shubman eases it to long off and rotates the strike.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, SIX! Launched down the ground! Floated up there, full and on off. Gill shimmies down the track and, with a clean swing of the arms, he pumps it over long off for the first six of the game. Looks like we had briefly lost the ball in the empty stands, but it has now been retrieved.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, This is quicker and on a good length, on off. Gill punches it to cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Drags the length back a bit, outside off. Shubman cuts it to backward point.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, on off, firmly driven to cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote will partner with Azmatullah Omarzai from the other end.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Swinging back in at the pads, on a good length. Rahul keeps it out from the crease.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Brings the stumps into play, on a length. KL is solid in defence.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, At 128.6 kph, fuller in length now, outside off. Rahul extends his hands out in front to defend.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, FOUR! Too straight, and Rahul helps himself to a boundary. On a back of a length, drifting in at the hips. KL tickles it fine of the man at deep fine leg to move to 85.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, A bit fuller, attacking the stumps. Rahul hangs back and stays leg side to dab it down on the off side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Begins on a short of a length, over off. KL turns it off the back foot to square leg.

We are back. Hashmatullah Shahidi leads his men out onto the park. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are all set to resume their innings. Still 40 overs left in the day, and we are unlikely to get all of them in, even with the use of the extra half hour. Azmatullah Omarzai will kick things off with the ball. Rahul is on strike. Here we go...

... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...

India primed for final session onslaught - The unbeaten duo of KL Rahul and Shubman Gill safely navigated the remaining overs before the Tea interval to keep India firmly in the driver’s seat. Rahul is currently anchoring the innings masterfully and closing in on a well-deserved century, while Gill looks comfortable at the other end. With the scorecard reflecting deep batting dominance and wickets well in hand, the Indian team is in a prime position to accelerate the scoring rate and maximise their advantage in the final session of the day. We will be back with the final session on Day 1 at 2.30 pm IST (9 am GMT).

Saleem broke the century partnership - Just when India looked ready to bat Afghanistan completely out of the session, the visitors managed a crucial breakthrough. Afghanistan bowler Mohammad Saleem provided the solitary moment of joy for his side by breaking the dangerous 139-run stand. He managed to find the edge of Sai's bat, resulting in a sharp catch from the wicketkeeper. Despite the setback, Sai's departure for a well-made 81 brought Shubman Gill to the crease, who quickly settled nerves alongside an unflappable Rahul.

Rahul and Sai dominate the post-Lunch session - India capitalized on their solid start, coming out after Lunch with aggressive intent to put Afghanistan on the back foot. Resuming at 96 for 1 after 25 overs, KL Rahul spearheaded the attack by punishing loose deliveries and turning the strike over effortlessly as India head into the break at 209 for 2 after 50 overs. Together with Sai, Rahul shifted the momentum into overdrive as the pair stitched together a rapid, high-scoring partnership. Both batters played with authority, seamlessly rotating the strike and finding the boundaries to cross their respective half-centuries in quick succession.

TEA ON DAY 1 - 25 overs were bowled in this session, where India scored 113 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. India continue to remain firmly in control of proceedings. There was certainly no shortage of effort from Afghanistan in the field, but they have struggled to sustain pressure for long enough.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, This is outside the off stump, and the length stays full. Gill gets a good stride in and defends it out. That will be TEA on Day 1.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Continues to bowl quick through the air, does Kharote. Shubman pushes this full ball to cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Darted in full and at the stumps. Gill keeps it out with a straight bat.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Flighted delivery, full and on off. Gill gets forward and works it to mid off.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Pushes it through at 83.8 kph, very full, on middle. Rahul drives it wide of mid off for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Coming in with the arm, on a good length, on the off stump. Rahul punches it to cover, where the fielder is a bit deep. He is keen for a single but Gill sends him back.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Easily done! Mohammad Saleem varies his length as he looks to go short, on middle. This sits up to be hit, on middle. Gill swivels and pulls it through square leg for the second boundary of the over.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, This is bowled by going wide on the crease, outside the off stump. Gill shoulders arms.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Put away! Saleem tries to fire it in full but errs in his line. He drifts onto the pads, and Gill makes him play. Shubman flicks it to the left of deep fine leg, and it races away.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, At 133.8 kph, on a back of a length, on top of off. Shubman stands tall and tucks it to the man at a short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Goes full and gets the ball to curve back in, on middle. Gill pushes it to mid on.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Hits the bat hard, does Saleem. Honing in on the off stump, on a good length. Shubman knocks it to cover.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Slower and on a good length, on off. KL dead bats it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Full and sprayed down leg. Rahul misses out on the sweep. The ball grazes the pads of the batter before getting to the keeper.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Back to bowling it in line with the off stump, Rahul covers the line and blocks it off.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, FOUR! Easy pickings! Drifts down leg, on a length. Rahul presses back and also gets inside the line of the ball. He paddles it down to fine leg for a boundary. The 200 is up for India.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Slows it down and it drops on the batter, full and on the off stump. Rahul smothers the spin by leaning forward.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, From around the wicket, darted in full and on middle. Rahul gets forward for the block.

Nangeyalia Kharote has been called back into the attack.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, An effort ball by Saleem, dug in short, over off. Shubman sways away and drops his wrists to let the ball go through to the keeper.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Nice shot. A little too straight, on the pads and the length is full. Gill presses forward, gets his head right over the ball and flicks it to the right of mid on for a boundary.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, The inside edge saves Gill. Tailing back into the right-hander, full and at the sticks. Shubman tries to force the drive down the ground with a straight bat. Just about ekes out an inside edge onto the front pad.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Hits the nagging length, in and around the off stump. Gill defends it from the crease.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Angled in on a length, outside the off stump. Gill covers the off stump and makes the leave.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Starts with a full ball, around off. Rahul gets low and plays it through point for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Rapped on the pads, but turned down! Where is the impact? The keeper appealed with a lot of conviction. Hashmatullah Shahidi does not look as certain, but he has gone for the review. The length is dragged back a bit, around the off stump. Gill reaches out in front to smother the spin but fails to get to the pitch of the ball. The ball spins past the inside edge to catch him low on the front pad. No bat involved, but the ball is doing too much. It is going well past the leg stump on Ball Tracking. Afghanistan are left with only one review.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, At the sticks, full in length. Gill blocks it off.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Gets it through! A bit too full and width offered by Hashmatullah Shahidi. Gill climbs onto it as he drills it all along the ground between cover and mid off for his first boundary.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Stays full, on middle. Rahul makes room and angles the drive to the left of mid off. They cross.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Full and a bit quick, on off. Shubman knocks it down to long on for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, full and on off. Gill brings his bat out in front of the front pad and clips it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, A bit of reverse on this ball, on a good length, on off. Gill jabs it off the back foot to the right of mid on and keeps the strike with a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, This is on a back of a length, in the channel on off. Shubman dabs it to point.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Drags the length back, over the off stump. Gill pats it to cover from the crease.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Tailing back in, on a good length, on middle. Shubman Gill taps it down the strip with a straight bat.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Angled in at the hips, on a back of a length. KL helps it down to deep fine leg and crosses over.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Saleem bangs it in short, over middle. Rahul swivels and gets his hands high for the pull. He connects well but can't beat the man at mid-wicket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Full and attacking the front pad, Gill defends it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Looped up, on middle. Rahul pushes this to long on to pick up a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, That kept low. Turning back in sharply, on a nagging length, on middle. Rahul rocks back and does well to adjust to the low bounce. He watchfully keeps it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Fired onto the pads, KL Rahul rocks back and nudges this towards mid-wicket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Fuller on middle and leg, Shubman Gill flicks this to long on for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, on the pads, Shubman Gill tucks this to short fine leg.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Back of a length, around off, KL Rahul blocks this off his back foot.

Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Hard length, on middle and off, Shubman Gill tucks this towards the right of mid on for a single to get off the mark.

Indian skipper, Shubman Gill, walks out at 4.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A sharp grab from the keeper and Mohammad Saleem has broken through for Afghanistan. Bowled by going wide on the crease on the around-the-wicket angle. This is very full, outside off. A bit of a late decision by Sudharsan to go for the drive and he hurriedly gets his bat down. The ball behind goes off an outside edge, where the keeper, Afsar Zazai dives to his left and holds onto it. Earlier in the session, we saw a similar ball go through the keeper and the first slip but not this time. The 139-run stand has been broken and India are now 180/2.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Slanting in at the hips. Rahul glances it down to deep fine leg and rotates the strike.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Dug in short, over off. Sai gets on top of the bounce and angles it in front of backward point for a quick single.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Short and wide on off, Rahul slaps it to deep point and gets to the other end.

More on the squad announcement - There is a significant absentee from India's ODI squad for the Afghanistan series, with Virat Kohli ruled out due to an injury. In his place, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been drafted into the squad.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Indecision! Drifting in, on a good length, in line with the off stump. Sudharsan thinks about letting it go initally but then just about jams it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Shorter and slower, on middle. This is pushed to long on for another single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Speared in at the pads, Sai nurdles this full ball behind square leg to turn the strike over.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Turning back into the pads, on a good length. Rahul hops back and wrists it through mid-wicket for a run.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Flat and short, on middle. Rahul blocks it from the crease.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled on a length, on off. Sai chops it through point for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Attacking the stumps, on a length, Rahul defends it watchfully.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Hits the hard length, on off. Sai stands tall and slices it to the left of deep third. They cross.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Fuller and tailing back in, on off. KL drops it with soft hands in front of cover and hurries to the other end.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, On the shorter side, on off. Rahul rises with the bounce for the block.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, This is on a hard length, over off. Sudharsan runs it down to deep third for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, A prolonged appeal for LBW, but it is turned down. Mohammad Saleem looks convinced and Hashmatullah Shahidi takes the review. A bit of reverse on return to the attack for Saleem. Angled in a good length, on middle. Rahul brings his bat out in front for the block but is beaten on the inside edge to be hit on the back thigh. The ball goes away on the off side and the batters cross over. Oh, there is a spike on the UltraEdge, confirming the inside edge. Rahul is saved by the inside edge as the Ball Tracking shows that the ball would have crashed into the top of the leg stump.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Looped up, on off. Sai firms the drive but can't get it past the man at cover.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Slower through the air and the length stays full, on middle. Sudharsan defends with the bat close to the front pad.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Full and pushed through on middle. Sudharsan is solid in defence.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Shorter and on the off stump. Sai stabs it down watchfully.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Flatter and angled in at the sticks. Sai Sudharsan goes back to a ball he was better off being on the front foot but manages to keep it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Full and drifting in, on middle and leg. This is eased to long on for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Hard length, on off, Sai Sudharsan keeps it out.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Well timed in the gap for four more runs. Pitched-up delivery, around the pads, Sai flicks this through the mid-wicket region and the ball has raced to the fence for four.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Full and around middle and leg, Sai Sudharsan nudges this to mid-wicket. The bat of Sai did twist in his hands as he worked this away.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Rahman bowls it on a length, around off, Sai Sudharsan blocks this off his front foot.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Back of a length, around off, KL Rahul defends this off his back foot on the off side and takes a run.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Ziaur bowls it full and on middle and off, Sai Sudharsan punches this to the right of mid on for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Floated around off, Sai Sudharsan pushes this through covers for a run.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Flighted around middle and off, Sai Sudharsan strides a long way down, gets close to the pitch of the ball and sweeps this through the square leg region for four runs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed up, around off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and pushes this towards mid off.

Just in - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden India call-up, with the youngster named in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. There is also a new leader at the helm, with Shreyas Iyer appointed India's T20I captain, while Tilak Varma has been named his deputy. It also marks the return of Harshit Rana, who missed the T20 World Cup due to a knee injury. The squad for the Asian Games later this year has also been announced and is largely similar to the group set to tour Ireland and England.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Fuller on off, KL Rahul rolls this down to long off for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Tossed up, around the pads, KL Rahul goes for a flick but misses and gets rapped on the front pad. This one was going down the leg.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Short of a length, on middle and off, Sai Sudharsan punches this past short covers for one. Just a half-stop from the fielder in that position.

DRINKS BREAK! India have added 59 runs in the 12 overs since Lunch and have largely been in control of proceedings. Afghanistan did not quite hit their straps at the start of the session, with boundaries coming far too easily, but Ziaur Rahman is in the midst of a probing spell and will need support from the other end if the visitors are to build any sort of pressure. Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul have capitalised on the inexperience of this Afghan attack and will now have their sights firmly set on three figures.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Good length, around off, nipping back into the batter. Sai Sudharsan ekes out an inside edge onto his pads. A gentle appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Single taken as the ball rolls towards the backward point region.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Hard length, around off, Sai Sudharsan dead bats it around silly point.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Ziaur is breathing fire here. Right in the channel, around off, angling into the batter but outside off. Sai Sudharsan blocks down the wrong line and the ball goes through to the keeper.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Ziaur comes around the stumps and attacks the stumps with a length delivery. Sai Sudharsan blocks this under his eyeline.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Short and wide of off, KL Rahul goes deep inside his crease and cuts this to deep third for a run.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Good length, on middle and off, KL Rahul blocks this off his back foot.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Tossed up, on middle and off, KL Rahul chips this through mid on for a single to close the over.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Fuller on off, KL Rahul dead bats it.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, OUCH! That must have hurt the fielder at silly point. Short of a length, around off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and cuts it hard. It catches the man at silly point around the thigh. The ball deflects through point for one.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Tossed up, on off, KL Rahul comes down the track and drills this to long on for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Fuller on middle and leg, KL Rahul defends this out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Tossed up, on the pads, KL Rahul goes for a flick but misses. The ball clips his front pad and falls to the right of short leg.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, Yorker, on off, Sai Sudharsan does well to block this out.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, EDGED, FOUR! A good comeback by the bowler, but the batter adds four more to his tally. Good length, around off, going across the batter. Sai Sudharsan prods onto his front foot and looks to guide this towards the backward point region. The ball catches an outside edge and goes right between the diving keeper to his left and the diving first slip fielder to his right for a boundary. The 150 is up for India.

Ziaur Rahman to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Textbook drive from Sai for four runs. Proper 1, 2, and 3 in cricketing terms. Pitched-up delivery, around off, Sai Sudharsan plants his front foot towards the line of the ball, shifts his body weight onto his front foot and drives this from the middle of his bat through the extra cover region for four runs.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Full and on the pads, drifting down the leg side. KL Rahul gets inside the line and flicks this to fine leg for one.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Hard length, around off, KL Rahul solidly blocks this out.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Right in the channel, around off, KL Rahul rocks back and across and blocks this out.

Sharafuddin Ashraf is down on the ground in pain. The physio is out to have a look. Looks like he hurt himself after putting the dive on the previous ball. Not a good sign for Afghanistan as Ashraf is going off the field with the physio.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Slightly side arm from Hashmatullah Shahidi, a tad full and on off. Sai Sudharsan dabs this past the left of Sharafuddin Ashraf at first slip. Ashraf remains down on the ground, maybe because of the fall. Nonetheless, the team physio rushes out in the middle.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Beaten all ends up. Drifts one in again, around off, turning it away from the southpaw after pitching. Sai Sudharsan this time plays at it, looking to block this off his front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Flighted around off, KL Rahul gently rolls his wrists and flicks this to long on for one. A 100-run partnership comes up between Sai and KL​​​​​.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, A tad short this time, around off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and punches this towards sweeper cover for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, A bit of drift back into the batter and the ball turns away after pitching. Sai Sudharsan doesn't poke at it.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Shahidi comes around the stumps and bowls this full and wide outside off. Sai leaves it.

Hashmatullah Shahidi brings himself on for his off-breaks.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Good length, around off, tailing a long way back into the batter. KL Rahul tucks this to mid-wicket for a dot.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Full and wide outside off, KL Rahul gives it a good look and leaves it all alone.

After multiple attempts to trim the loose seam and tidy up the ball, the umpires have decided to change it. The fourth umpire is out with the box of balls. The replacement has been picked, and we are all good to go.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Ziaur bowls it full and in the line of the stumps. KL Rahul defends this off his front foot.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, FOUR! Nicely guided. Fuller in length, outside off. Rahul lets the ball come to him and plays the late dab by opening the face of the bat. He steers it through the vacant gully region for a boundary.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Not as wide as the previous ball but still wide enough and the length stays short. Rahul plays the cut to the right of deep point. Abdul Malik sprints and dives to his right to save a couple of runs for his side.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Missed out! Short and wide on off, there to be put away. Rahul presses back for the cut but is early into the shot and ends up chopping it beside the strip on the off side.

Ziaur Rahman (6-2-20-0) is back.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Full and on the pads, Sai Sudharsan flicks this to mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Quicker one, on the pads, Sai Sudharsan tucks this to short leg.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Third boundary on the trot for Sai Sudharsan. Flighted around off, Sudharsan comes quickly onto his front foot, hits the ball on the half-volley and drives this through the covers region for four more runs.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! That brings up a 3rd Test half-century for Sai Sudharsan. Low full toss, around off, Sudharsan stands tall and works this through the mid-wicket region, and the ball has raced to the fence for four more runs. Sai has carried his form from IPL into the red-ball format.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! This is well swept for a boundary. Flighted, onto the pads, Sai Sudharsan goes down on a knee and sweeps this behind square for a boundary towards deep backward square leg.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Fuller on the pads, Sai Sudharsan works this to mid-wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Hard length, around off, KL gets onto his front foot and blocks this on the off side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Azmat bowls it within the sticks, on middle and off, on a good length. KL Rahul blocks this one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Slower one, around off, on a length. KL Rahul gets behind the line of the ball and keeps it out. This came off the inner half of Rahul's bat.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Good length, around the pads, KL Rahul nudges this to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Azmatullah goes full and keeps this one within the sticks. Sai Sudharsan flicks this through mid-wicket's right for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, On a length, going across the batter, around his off stump. Sai Sudharsan leaves it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Tossed up, on the pads, KL Rahul strides out in front and dead bats it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Fuller on the pads, Sai Sudharsan milks this through short fine leg for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed up, around off, Sai Sudharsan defends this off his front foot.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, FIFTY FOR RAHUL, his 21st half-century in Test cricket. Tossed up, around off, KL Rahul flashes, and the outside edge flies past the man at slip before he can even react. It goes down to the third man region for a single. After getting lucky with the edge not given and not reviewed, KL has done well to reach his half-century.

The ball has gotten scuffed up, and Richard Illingworth has called the Afghanistan captain over for a chat. A quick word between the two before the umpire takes out the scissors and trims a few loose threads from the seam.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Tossed up, on the pads, KL Rahul tucks this towards short leg.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Tossed up, around off, KL Rahul moves away to his leg side and drives this well but straight to extra cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Good length, around the pads, Sai Sudharsan flicks this close to his body and off his pads through square leg for a brace.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Short one, around off, KL Rahul swivels inside and keeps the hook down for a single to fine leg.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Back of a length, around off, KL Rahul pats this to point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Good length, around the pads, Sai Sudharsan nudges this to fine leg for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Hard length, around off, Sai defends this off his back foot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Sai made that block look a bit awkward, to say the least. On a length, going across the batter. Sai Sudharsan doesn't move his feet much but blocks this. The ball bumps into the deck and hits the bat again. Sai Sudharsan gestures that this kept low.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Fired onto the pads, Sai Sudharsan flicks this through mid on for an easy single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Quicker one, on the pads, Sai Sudharsan nudges this towards short leg.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Tossed up, on off, KL Rahul gets close to the pitch of the ball, gently dabs this in front of cover-point and takes a sharp single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Speared in at the pads, Sai Sudharsan milks this through square leg for one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Fuller on the pads this time, Sai Sudharsan tucks this gently to the fine leg region for a couple.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Excitement around the bat! Where did that come off? Fuller, down the leg side. Sai Sudharsan goes for a sweep but misses completely. The ball lobs off Sai's forearm and drops to the left of the man at short leg, who was ducking to get out of the way.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Azmatullah goes back of a length, and bowls it on middle and leg, KL Rahul tucks this to short mid-wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Pitched-up delivery, around off, KL Rahul presses onto his front foot and plays the off-drive well but close to mid off who fields it.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Full and around off, KL Rahul drives this towards covers.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Back of a length, around off, KL Rahul hops back into the crease and punches this through the covers region for a couple. This was destined for the fence, but Ziaur Rahman got around to his right and dived to save a couple for his side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Back of a length, around off, Sai Sudharsan gets up on his toes and punches this through backward point for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Good length, around off, Sai Sudharsan defends this close to his body.

It will be pace from the other end. Here is Azmatullah Omarzai. 7-3-21-0 so far for Omarzai.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, A tad full, wide of off again, keeping low yet again. KL Rahul blocks this off his back foot.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Short of a length, around off, keeping low. KL Rahul punches this off his back foot towards the off side.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, FOUR! An aggressive intent on show from Rahul at the start of this session. Short and around off, KL Rahul rocks back and doesn't look to dab this around but slashes hard at it. Gets an outside edge and the ball races into the third man fence for four.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, FOUR! First runs in the post-Lunch session and Rahul hits this away to the fence. Tossed up, around off, KL Rahul puts on the dancing shoes, jumps close to the pitch of the ball and drives this straight in front of the sight screen for four. The 100 is up for India.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Full and around off, turning away from the batter. KL Rahul blocks this one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Kharote starts with a loosener. Short and wide of off, KL Rahul rocks back and pushes this to covers.

Welcome back for the start of the post-Lunch session. The two Indian batters make their way out to the middle, followed by Hashmatullah Shahidi and his men. Afghanistan are starting with spin in the form of Nangeyalia Kharote. KL Rahul is on strike. A slip and a silly point in place. Let's go!

... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...

Looking ahead - Afghanistan's spinners were able to find a bit of grip and turn from the surface, and perhaps they could have been a touch more aggressive with their field placements. By allowing India's batters easy singles down the ground, they relieved much of the pressure that had been built up. Whether Afghanistan make that change in the afternoon session remains to be seen. Given the oppressive heat, short and sharp spells from the seamers will likely be the order of the day. The second session will commence at 12.10 pm IST (6.40 am GMT). See you then!

Tale post the opening exchanges - Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first to fall, handing Mohammad Saleem his maiden Test wicket. Jaiswal's departure brought Sai Sudharsan to the crease. Unlike KL Rahul, who initially found timing the ball a challenge, Sudharsan looked more assured from the outset. The left-hander did enjoy a slice of fortune, though, when Rahmanullah Gurbaz put down a tough chance on 20.

The opening session goes India's way - The talk from Hashmatullah Shahidi after losing the toss was about starting well, and while the visitors may have only one wicket to show for their efforts, they did not bowl as badly as the scoreboard might suggest. There was not a great deal of assistance on offer from the surface, but to their credit, Afghanistan's new-ball attack started impressively. Ziaur Rahman, in particular, looked threatening. By going wide of the crease and creating that inward angle into the right-hander, he consistently had KL Rahul in two minds. In fact, he even created a genuine opportunity when Rahul nicked one behind while on 16, but Afghanistan opted against the review and the chance went begging.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Yorker, around off, Sai Sudharsan jams this out. That will be Lunch on Day 1.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed up, on middle and off, Sai Sudharsan pats this back to the bowler.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, Full and on off, Sai Sudharsan solidly keeps it out.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sai Sudharsan, A shade on the good length area, around off, Sai Sudharsan comes onto his front foot and blocks this off his gloves rather than the bat.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Loopy delivery, around the crease on middle and leg. KL Rahul drills this down to long on for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to KL Rahul, Tossed up, around off, KL Rahul presses close to the ball and blocks it.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Full and on off, Sai Sudharsan dead bats it.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Short of a length, around off, turning away from the batter. Sai Sudharsan gets up on his toes and punches this to extra cover.

Abdul Malik to KL Rahul, Pushed through on middle and off, KL Rahul pushes this down to long on for one.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Abdul bowls this around the nagging length, on middle and leg, Sai Sudharsan tucks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Full and wide outside off, Sai Sudharsan leaves it.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Put away! Short of a length, on middle and off, does keep a tad low. Sai Sudharsan pulls this off his back foot, but the bottom hand comes off the handle. The ball races to the deep mid-wicket fence for four. The 50-run stand comes up with this boundary.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Kharote drifts this into Rahul, around off. The batter offers an angled bat and runs this towards the third man region for two.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Quicker and flatter on middle and off, Sai Sudharsan punches this down to long on for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Pushed through on the pads, Sai Sudharsan nudges this to mid-wicket.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Fired onto the pads, Sai Sudharsan rolls his wrists and tucks this to short fine leg.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Flighted this time, from Nangeyalia Kharote. Rahul pushes this down to long off for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Fuller around off, KL Rahul drives this to extra cover for no run.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Darted into the batter, Sai tucks this to mid-wicket.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, NO BALL! Tosses it up, around off, Sai Sudharsan drives this to covers. The siren goes around as Abdul has overstepped here.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Fuller around off, Sai Sudharsan leaves it.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Sai is playing the risky game by going onto his back foot on this track. A bit more air, not all that short and on off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and tucks this to mid-wicket.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed up, around off, Sai Sudharsan defends this underneath his eyeline.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Fuller on off, Sai Sudharsan blocks this out.

Abdul Malik to Sai Sudharsan, Too risky from Sai. Quicker one, around off, Sai Sudharsan backs away, exposes his off stump and cuts, but silly point gets in the way.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, FOUR! Up and over. Flighted, around middle and leg, KL Rahul clears his front foot, plants it towards the leg side and lofts this behind the mid on fielder for a boundary. This was more from the inside portion of the bat.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Full and on off, KL Rahul pushes this to covers.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Kharote drags his length back, on off, KL Rahul defends this one.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Sai Sudharsan flicks this down to long on for a single.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Fuller and flatter, around off, Sai Sudharsan comes onto his front foot and dead bats it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Fired around off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back inside his crease and blocks this one.

Abdul Malik to KL Rahul, Wristy from Rahul. Tossed up, on middle and off, KL Rahul rolls his wrists, closes his bat face and works this towards short leg.

Abdul Malik to KL Rahul, Full and on off, KL Rahul defends this towards the leg side.

Abdul Malik to KL Rahul, Tossed up, on middle and leg, KL Rahul tucks this on the bounce to short leg.

Abdul Malik to KL Rahul, Quicker one, on off, KL Rahul defends this out.

Abdul Malik to KL Rahul, Pushed through on off, KL Rahul works this a bit aerially towards the mid-wicket region but well short of the catching fielder. A touch of grip here for Abdul Malik.

Abdul Malik to KL Rahul, Fuller, around off, KL Rahul flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

It will be spin from both ends as Abdul Malik will bowl his off-breaks now.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! A boundary to end the over. Not a bad start to Kharote's Test career, despite going for 8 runs. Flighted, around off, Sai Sudharsan goes down on his knee and sweeps this in front of square towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Nangeyalia Kharote to KL Rahul, Floated onto the pads, KL Rahul tucks this through the empty pocket towards fine leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes after it from first slip and hauls it in. Three runs taken.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, DROPPED! Sai Sudharsan is dropped on 20 by Rahmanullah Gurbaz at first slip. Straight one, wide of off, Sudharsan presses onto his front foot and goes for a block, but the ball catches the outside edge. It goes low to Gurbaz at slip, who sticks out the right hand. Gurbaz gets fingertips to it, but cannot pouch this. A single taken.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Quicker one, wide of off, Sai Sudharsan offers nothing at it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Floated wide outside off, Sai Sudharsan leaves it.

Nangeyalia Kharote to Sai Sudharsan, Fuller one, turning back into the batter. Sai Sudharsan rocks back and blocks this towards the leg side.

With about 25 minutes left for the Lunch break, we will have the first look at spin. It will be the debutant left-arm finger spinner, Nangeyalia Kharote.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Good length, on the pads, Sai Sudharsan gets up on his toes while hopping back inside the crease and flicks this through square leg for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Full and wide of off, Sai Sudharsan strides close to the pitch of the ball and drives this from the bottom of his bat towards short cover.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Back of a length, on off, Sai Sudharsan nudges this to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Saleem bowls a good-length delivery on middle and off, Sai Sudharsan defends this one.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Probably the best one Sai Sudharsan has sent to the fence this morning. A touch too full and a bit too straight as well. On the pads, Sai Sudharsan punches this off his front foot past mid on to his right for four runs.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, WIDE! Bouncer, down the leg side. Sai Sudharsan sits underneath it. The ball is deemed a bit too high by the umpire as he calls it a wide.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Full and across the batter, on off. Sai Sudharsan blocks this off his front foot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Good length, on off, KL Rahul rises with the bounce and punches this to short cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Azmatullah Omarzai comes around the stumps, bowls it on a length, in the line of the sticks. Sai Sudharsan gets it tickled to fine leg for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Third boundary already for Sai Sudharsan. A touch wayward from Omarzai as he dishes this on a good length but down the leg side. Sai Sudharsan flicks this through the square leg region for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Short and around off, Sai Sudharsan cuts this through point and takes a couple.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Back of a length, drifting down the leg side. KL Rahul gets inside the line and flicks this through square leg for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Good length, around off, KL Rahul blocks this to mid on.

It is very hot out in the middle. The two batters quickly replenish themselves with fluids between overs.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Another delightful flick by Sai. Saleem, just like Azmatullah in the previous over, ends the over by bowling a pitched-up delivery. Sai Sudharsan is up for it as he presses close to the pitch of the ball and flicks this past mid on to his left for a boundary.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Pitched up, around off, Sai Sudharsan drives this right from the middle of his bat but straight to mid off.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Full toss, tailing back into the batter, Rahul flicks this to the right of mid on for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Right in the channel, a touch wide of off, KL Rahul leaves it.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Good length, around off, KL Rahul blocks this one close to his pads. This might have just hit his pad first as well, but Rahul took a step across the line. The UltraEdge confirms that it was pad first, but no one from the bowling side went up in an appeal. The Ball Tracking has the impact as umpire's call, but the ball would have crashed into the off stump.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, FOUR! Now this is what will make KL Rahul feel at home. On a length, around off, KL Rahul stands still, offers a straight bat and punches this well from the middle of his bat for an on-drive that races past the mid on fielder to his left for a boundary down the ground.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Sai is off the mark with a boundary. Pitched-up delivery, around middle and off, searching for a bit more swing, was Azmatullah Omarzai. Sai stays balanced at the crease and flicks this past the mid on fielder to his left for a boundary. The bat did tilt in Sai's hands, but he held onto it.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Good length, on off, Sai Sudharsan dabs this to backward point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Omarzai goes full and across the batter. Sai Sudharsan gives it a good look and resists the temptation of flashing at it.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, A touch too straight this time from Azmatullah as he bowls this on the back of a length, around the hips of Sai. The batter offers a straight bat and blocks this out.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sai Sudharsan, Hard length, around off, shaping away from the southpaw. Sai gets up on his toes and pushes this to covers. Even Sai is finding it difficult to time the ball well.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Short and on off, KL Rahul fends this through the square leg region for a single.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, A testing bouncer to end the over from Mohammad Saleem. Sai Sudharsan ducks down on this one. Back-to-back maidens for Afghanistan.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Around that nagging length this time from the bowler. Sai Sudharsan hops back and pats this past the bowler's right.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Good length, around off, Sai Sudharsan doesn't time this well and hits this from the inner half of his blade towards covers.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Length dragged back here by Saleem, on the back of a length, Sai Sudharsan gets up on his toes and dabs this on the bounce to backward point.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Saleem goes full, shaping it away from the batter around the off stump. Sai Sudharsan gets close to the pitch of the ball and blocks this out.

Some repair work needs to be carried out on the ball, with Richard Illingworth taking out the scissors to tidy it up.

Mohammad Saleem to Sai Sudharsan, Saleem bowls this on a length, around the pads. Sai Sudharsan tucks this to mid-wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Third maiden for Azmatullah Omarzai. Good length, on middle and leg, KL Rahul gets behind the line of the ball and pushes this with a straight bat to mid on.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Now this was an inswinger from Azmatullah Omarzai, on a good length, around off. KL Rahul shuffles back and across and pushes this back to the bowler.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, A lot more effort behind this ball as Azmat bowls a bouncer, on off. KL Rahul lets it go unpoked.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Another one on the shorter side, on off from Azmatullah Omarzai. KL Rahul blocks this to the right of Nangeyalia Kharote at point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, In the channel, around off with the ball shaping away from the batter. KL Rahul leaves it.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Azmatullah bends his back, bowls it back of a length, around off, away swing on offer. KL Rahul gets up on his toes and dabs this to point.

DRINKS! A good hour of play for Afghanistan, where they have kept things tight by not giving away a lot of runs and right at the stroke of the break, they've got the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal as well. It could have been way better for the visitors had they gone upstairs for the one Rahul edged. India will be looking to go into the Lunch break without any further hiccups. Sai Sudharsan walks out at number 3 for India.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Yashasvi Jaiswal has been strangled down leg, and Mohammad Saleem has his maiden Test wicket. Saleem drifts down leg, on a back of a length. Jaiswal gets on his toes and stays inside the line for the tickle. The ball takes a feather on its way to the keeper. Afsar Zazai moves to his right and snaffles it up. Yashasvi trudges off dejectedly. End of a 41-run opening stand.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Nicely done! Going away with the angle, on a length. Jaiswal makes use of the angle and plays the drive on the up to the left of backward point for his 5th boundary.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Slightly too straight, on the pads, on a nagging length. Jaiswal is beaten on the flick on the inside edge to get hit on the pads.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Down leg by Saleem. Jaiswal walks inside the line but fails to help it away.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On the shorter side, on off. Jaiswal defends it from the crease.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full and straight at the sticks, Jaiswal brings his bat out in front and keeps it out.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Pushes the length up now, outside off. Rahul shoulders arms.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Missed out! Short and wide on off, Rahul is a bit late in committing himself to the cut. Toe-ends it to cover.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Fuller and around off. Rahul leans forward for the block.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, A bit short, outside off. Rahul lets it be.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, On the off stump line, on a length, Rahul has just watchfully blocked this out.

A lot of woody noise as the ball got past KL Rahul to the keeper. Afsar Zazai did appeal at first but when the discussion was ongoing to take DRS, he gestured that he heard nothing at all. The replay on the giant screen will be an interesting watch. A bit surprising that Afghanistan did not opt for a review here as Rahmanullah Gurbaz was pleading with Hashmatullah Shahidi to send this upstairs. The replay shows a clear spike as the ball is next to the bat of Rahul and Afghanistan have missed an opportunity here. KL Rahul gets away with one.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Was there an edge? The appeal was immediate from the bowler and those behind the bat. In the channel, not all that short for the cut. Rahul throws his hands at the ball but misses. There was a noise but the appeal is turned down. Hashmatullah Shahidi checks with the bowler and the keeper and eventually decides against the review.

Double change or change of ends for Azmatullah Omarzai? Neither as Ziaur Rahman gets an extended spell here.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Lovely shot! Going across the left-hander, on a short of a length. Jaiswal rocks on the back foot and punches it square of the wicket, through point. The fielder goes after it and slides, but the ball wins the race.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On the top of off by Saleem, Jaiswal pats it down the strip from the crease.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Dug in short at 134.8 kph, on off. KL pivots on the back foot for the pull but fails to get the timing right. He plays it to the right of mid on for one.

Mohammad Saleem to KL Rahul, Bowled into the surface and he gets a good lift off the deck, just outside off. Rahul is tucked up for room but he manages to tap it away through covers. Ziaur Rahman gives it a chase and slides to haul it in. Two runs taken.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A bit more effort behind this ball, as you could hear the grunt from the bowler while delivering. On a hard length, on middle. Jaiswal hangs back for the block. It goes off the inner half square on the leg side. They cross.

Mohammad Saleem to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Hits the good length from over the wicket, on middle. Jaiswal is a bit squared up but manages to stab it beside the strip on the leg side.

A couple of boundaries for KL Rahul in this over and he will feel that the monkey is slowly getting off his back. The boundary on the final ball, in particular, will give Rahul a lot of confidence as his feet moved well and the ball raced from the middle of his bat. Mohammad Saleem replaces Azmatullah Omarzai in the attack.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, FOUR! Rahul finally gets one away on the off side. Fractionally short and equally wide, enough for Rahul to cash in. KL presses back and gets on top of the bounce to punch it through covers for a four.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, This is fuller, just outside the off pole. KL gets on the front foot and defends with his bat close to the front pad.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Hurls it on a length, outside off. It is let through by KL.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, At 128.3 kph, on a back of a length, outside off. Rahul gets on his toes to ride the bounce but once again, he fails to read the pace off the surface. One hand comes off the bat handle and KL mistimes it to mid off.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Pulls the length back now, on off. Rahul hops back and punches it on the bounce to point.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, FOUR! This will help Rahul feel a little better. Rahman goes full but errs in his line, on the pads. Rahul keeps a still head and flicks it to the right of the diving mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Shaping back into the pads, on a length. KL misses out on the tickle. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes behind on the leg side off the pads.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Rahul's struggles to find the middle of the bat continue. Omarzai serves it full, outside off. This is there to be driven away, and Rahul leans nicely but is early into the stroke. The bat turns in his hand and he mishits it to mid off.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Moving back in, on the off stump, on a good length. Rahul is solid in defence.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, A bit fuller now, on off. Rahul steers it to point.

KL Rahul has got that inside edge a few times now, hinting he is still adjusting to the bounce and pace on this deck.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, And again! Azmatullah Omarzai stays on a hard length, on off. Rahul rises with the bounce to punch it away, but the ball comes on slower than he expected. Miscues it off the inner half towards mid-wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Nearly chopped it back! This is on a hard length, outside off, Rahul gets on his toes to force the punch through the off side. Gets into a bit of a tangle as he gets his bat high around his chest. Chops it down off an inside edge and the ball drops at his feet.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Shaping away, outside off, Rahul gets forward to the full ball and plays the square drive. Nangeyalia Kharote tumbles to his right at point but can only make a half-stop. It rolls behind, allowing the batters to cross over.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, A bit too wide, on a good length. KL leaves it all alone.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Goes fuller now and it curves back in, on off. Rahul leans forward for the block but it goes off the inner half beside the strip on the leg side.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, At 133.5 kph, on top of off, on a nagging length. Rahul covers the line and stabs it down.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Hits the length, outside off, Rahul is not interested in offering a shot.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Moving away in the air, bowled full. Rahul defends it watchfully by getting low.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Half a shout for LBW! From around the wicket for the last ball, angled in on a back of a length, on middle. Jaiswal hangs back to deal with it but is beaten on the inside edge and gets hit high on the thigh pad.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pushed across again, Yashasvi Jaiswal offers no shot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Going away, on the fuller side. Jaiswal lets it go.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, EDGED, FOUR! A tough chance but a chance nevertheless. A lucky escape for Jaiswal. Angling away, on a back of a length. Jaiswal pushes at the ball with hard hands. It flies off a thickish outside edge to Abdul Malik at gully. Malik is in really tight and the ball comes to him at shoulder height. Abdul gets both hands to his right but the ball clips his fingertips and goes behind into the fence. Malik seems to indicate that he did not pick the ball with the stands in the background.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Just outside the off stump, on a good length. Jaiswal knows where his off stump is, covers it and makes the leave.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Hurls it on a length, on the off stump. Jaiswal defends it out.

This was a much better over from Ziaur Rahman that kept KL Rahul on his toes. A maiden for Ziaur.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Oh, that could have gone back onto the stumps. Bowled on a back of a length and slanting back in from wide of the crease, outside off. Rahul is uncertain whether it will come back in or go away. He prods at it tentatively and ekes out an inside edge onto the back pad.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Angled in by going wide on the crease, fuller in length as well, just outside off. Rahul gets half-forward and thinks about dropping his bat down on the ball, but then opts against it eventually. The ball decks away to leave him.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, And again! At 133.3 kp, swinging away but not a lot of bounce, on a length. KL shoulders arms.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, This moves away, on a good length, Rahul is happy to let it go.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Beaten all ends up! Rahman hits the good length, in the corridor of uncertainty. Rahul hangs on the back foot to punch it away, but the ball jags back in off the surface to cut him in half as it goes past the inside edge.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Half a stop. Rahman hurls it full and gets the ball to curve a touch, on off. Rahul extends his hands out in front and drives it down the strip. Ziaur gets low to make the stop around his left ankle. Gets a hand on it to take the sting out of the shot and the ball dribbles towards mid off.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Correction by Azmatullah as he pulls the length back, on off. Yashasvi angles it off the back foot to point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Good shot. Omarzai pushes the length up, on off. Jaiswal lets the ball come to him and transfers the weight onto the front foot. He unleashes the drive past mid off's left for a four.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On the shorter side, on off, Jaiswal punches it off the back foot but straight to cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Not close enough on the off side to make the batter play this time and it is let through by Jaiswal.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A play and a miss! At 130.1 kph, around the off stump, on a good length. Jaiswal presses forward for the block. The ball threatens to shape back in but goes away off the deck to go past the outside edge.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full and leaving the left-hander. Jaiswal shuffles a bit and firms the drive to mid off.

With that boundary, KL Rahul brings up 9000 first-class runs.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, FOUR! Nicely clipped and Rahul is underway. Rahman dishes out a half-volley, on middle and leg. KL stays balanced at the crease and makes use of the angle. He flicks it all along the ground between mid-wicket and mid on.

Ziaur Rahman to KL Rahul, Bowled by going wide on the crease, full and slanting back in, outside off. KL extends his hands as he initially looks to push it away on the off side but then withdraws his bat.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A bit straight, on the pads, Jaiswal turns this length ball through square leg for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Delivers it on a back of a length, on middle. Jaiswal pats it back to the bowler.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Going across, full in length. Yashasvi resists the temptation of going for the drive and lets it through to the keeper.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahman serves it a bit too full, almost near the popping crease, outside off. Jaiswal offers no shot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Attacks the stumps and this is angled in, on a good length. Rahul keeps it out with a straight bat. Omarzai starts with a maiden.

The ball is consistently carrying to the keeper on the bounce. With a low bounce, the question arises, does the keeper need to stand a few steps ahead of his normal mark? Because one is bound to catch a faint edge that might not carry on the full.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Indecision! Drags the length back a bit, does Omarzai. Curving away, on a good length. Not that wide for the cut. Rahul thinks about going after it, but then bails out at the last moment.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Keeps it full and on the off stump, Rahul blocks it off by getting forward.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, The previous ball carried nicely, but this does not. Moving away in the air, on a length, KL lets it pass. A quizzical look at the surface by Rahul as the ball dies down and goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Much better! Floated up there by Omarzai and he finds a hint of away shape. This is just outside the off pole and Rahul tucks the bat behind the front pad to make the leave.

Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Starts on a good length, and the ball gathers pace after pitching. It is angled down leg and Rahul misses out on the tickle.

Azmatullah Omarzai will be bowling from the other end.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, At 131.6 kph, on a good length, on middle. Jaiswal covers the line and is solid in defence.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Bowled on a length, swinging down leg. Jaiswal walks inside the line for the tickle but fails to lay any bat on it.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! A good ball but equally well played. Very full by Rahman, tailing back in late, on middle. Jaiswal brings his bat out in front and presents the full face of the blade. Drives it to the left of mid off and it races away for the first four of the game.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Lack of bounce! A bit fuller, across the off stump. Yashasvi shoulders arms. The ball does not rise much and it is gathered on the bounce by the keeper.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pushes it across the left-hander, on a nagging length. Jaiswal makes the leave.

Ziaur Rahman to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jaiswal and India are off the mark! A hint of inward shape back into the pads, on a good length. Jaiswal watchfully nurdles it behind square leg to the right of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

Done with the national anthems, and we are all set to get going. It is a sparse crowd at the moment, but expect more spectators to filter in as the day progresses. The bell has been rung to signify the imminent start of play. A few final words from the Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, in the team huddle as he gathers his players before they take the field. It will be the left-hand, right-hand combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to open the innings for India. It will be the right-arm quick, Ziaur Rahman to deliver the first over of the game. Jaiswal will take strike. Two slips and a gully await. Let's go...

Before we get underway, the match officials and the two teams will line up for the national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's national anthem first, followed by that of India.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Afsar Zazai (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote (On debut), Ziaur Rahman and Mohammad Saleem.

India (Playing XI) - KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar (On debut), Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The skipper of Afghanistan - Hashmatullah Shahidi says that they would have batted first as well. Adds that the toss is not in their hands, so the focus now is on playing good cricket and starting the match well. Shahidi acknowledges that his side does not get enough opportunities to play Test cricket, but insists they are ready for the challenge. He says the team is well prepared after a productive training camp back home and is looking forward to the contest. Hashmatullah says former coach Jonathan Trott played a huge role in Afghanistan's growth in Test cricket, but now it is time for Richard Pybus, and the team is excited about the new chapter. He describes the new coach as a positive influence and hopes the players can continue to learn and improve under his guidance. On team combination, Shahidi informs that Afghanistan have gone in with three seamers and two spinners, and there is a debut for Nangeyalia Kharote.

The captain of India - Shubman Gill opts to bat first, citing the hot, humid conditions, which will make the surface slow and low as the game goes on. Gill shares that it is a special feeling for him to captain India on home soil. Shubman reckons the preparations have been really good, they've had a good couple of days' rest, and the players are ready to go. Adds that they have got a few Test matches at home and they'll be looking to get the combinations right. Gill informs that Manav Suthar is making his debut.

TOSS - Shubman Gill has made his way out for the flip of the coin. He is joined by his Afghanistan counterpart, Hashmatullah Shahidi. 'Heads' is the call from Shahidi, but it has come down as a Tail. India opt to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Former Australian captain, Michael Clarke is pitchside. He says this looks like a wonderful batting surface and is full of praise for both the ground and the pitch. Clarke notes that while there could be some deterioration as the Test progresses, the first couple of days should be excellent for batting. Michael observes a bit of dryness at one end and, looking at the middle of the surface, he expects a touch of moisture. Overall, though, he feels it is a very good batting wicket. In his view, it is the sort of surface where batters will need to put in the hard yards early, but once set, they can make the most of the conditions and cash in. Former Indian wicketkeeper, Deep Dasgupta largely echoes Michael Clarke's assessment of the surface. He feels the extra moisture and the grass left on the pitch are largely a response to the extreme weather, with temperatures expected to go beyond 40 degrees Celsius over the course of the Test. Deep agrees that there could be a bit of moisture, which should provide some encouragement for the fast bowlers.

Debut alert - Manav Suthar has been handed his maiden India cap by Kuldeep Yadav in the team huddle. A moment to cherish for the 23-year-old left-arm spin bowling all-rounder from Rajasthan, who gets his first opportunity in Test cricket. There is a debut in the Afghanistan camp as well, and it is another left-arm spin bowling all-rounder. Nangeyalia Kharote has received his Test cap from the Afghanistan bowling coach, Hamid Hassan.

Opportunity knocks for both sides - India and Afghanistan have met only once before in Test cricket, a one-sided affair in Bengaluru back in 2018. Seven years later, Afghanistan arrive with far more experience and belief than they did on that historic occasion. India are rebuilding, Afghanistan are hungry, and Mullanpur’s pitch is an unknown for now. Will India’s new-look lineup find stability and dominance at home? Or can Afghanistan, armed with nothing to lose and a point to prove, add another memorable chapter to their young Test journey? Toss and team news to follow...

Afghanistan’s red-ball story - For the visiting side, this is about exposure and evolution. Since gaining Test status in 2017, they have played just 12 matches, but already boast four wins. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi leads a 15-member squad back in whites after a tough outing against Zimbabwe, and the absence of Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran opens doors for others. Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai are back to strengthen the middle order, while uncapped all-rounder Nangeyalia Kharote could get a Test cap. With limited red-ball cricket under their belt, Afghanistan’s goal is simple - soak up experience and see how they stack up against a Test heavyweight on Indian soil.

Building for the future - Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir has already confirmed Sai Sudharsan will bat at No. 3 for an extended run. Yashasvi Jaiswal should open with KL Rahul, while Rishabh Pant slots in at No. 5 in his favourite format. The bowling attack is just as experimental, only Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna have prior Test experience among the frontline bowlers. That means Washington Sundar is likely the lone all-rounder, with either uncapped left-arm spinner Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey in line for a debut. With over half the 15-man squad fresh from a high-intensity IPL final a few days ago, this Test becomes as much about temperament and adaptation as it is about skill.

India’s red-ball reset - If there’s one format that’s troubled India lately, it’s Tests. The Men in Blue have excelled in the two white-ball formats, winning the last Champions Trophy and back-to-back T20 World Cups, but the red-ball story has been bumpy. India missed the World Test Championship final in the last cycle after a shock 0-3 home whitewash to New Zealand, and this cycle South Africa handed them another home sweep. With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired from Tests, and Jasprit Bumrah plus Ravindra Jadeja rested, this is a transitional Indian side. The one-off Test against Afghanistan gives head coach Gautam Gambhir a chance to audition combinations, lock down a new batting order, and find a bowling core that can carry India forward.

Mullanpur's historic Test debut - Welcome, cricket lovers, to the brand new frontier of Test cricket as the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur hosts its very first Test match, making it India's 31st Test centre. India and Afghanistan open a fresh multi-format bilateral series here, and all eyes are on how the longest format unfolds in this corner of Punjab. While the rivalry between these two Asian sides has always been warm off the field, the first ball will pause that camaraderie, ushering in the next few days of grit, patience, and old-school Test theatre.

... MATCH DAY ...

Welcome back for Afghanistan's second innings. We have about 15 minutes left to go for the Lunch break. Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik are the two openers for Afghanistan. No surprises that India are starting with spin. Here is Manav Suthar. Atal is on strike. Let's go...

... THIRD INNINGS ...

Looking ahead - Afghanistan have it all to do in their second batting effort, and it is unlikely to get any easier from here. It is all about showing patience and applying themselves for long periods at the crease. The visitors would do well to take a leaf out of Rahmat Shah's book, whose innings was built on discipline, sound defence and a willingness to grind it out. Stay tuned as the action resumes shortly.

Follow-on enforced - Well, that ended rather quickly after the resistance Afghanistan showed in the first hour of the morning. India have enforced the follow-on. Manav Suthar leads the home side off the field, ball held aloft after a memorable performance on debut. All of the Afghan top five spent time at the crease and gave themselves an opportunity, but only Rahmat Shah truly dug deep and looked solid as a rock despite wickets falling around him. Manav Suthar finished with remarkable figures of 6 for 33. According to the on-air commentators, those are the third-best bowling figures by an Indian on Test debut. Prasidh Krishna, playing his first Test on home soil, impressed as well and provided excellent support.

Washington Sundar to Ziaur Rahman, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Flighted, around off, Ziaur Rahman stands deep inside his crease and goes for a wild hoick, mistimes this from the cue end of his bat, and the ball hangs high beside the strip on the leg side. Rishabh Pant calls for it and holds onto it. Afghanistan have been bundled out for 152 in their first innings.

Washington Sundar to Ziaur Rahman, Full and on off, Ziaur Rahman keeps it out.

Washington Sundar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Quicker one, on the pads, Nangeyalia Kharote pushes at the ball but gets an inside edge that races to the fine leg region. Kuldeep Yadav gives it a good chase and saves one for the side. Three runs taken.

Washington Sundar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Pushed through on off, Nangeyalia Kharote blocks this off his back foot.

Manav Suthar to Ziaur Rahman, SIX! Ziaur is not looking to hang around. Short of a length, around middle and off, turning away from the batter. Ziaur Rahman rocks back and slogs this up and over the fence towards the cow corner region for six.

Well, well, Mohammad Saleem would not want to look at the replays. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball has pitched outside the line of the leg stump. Saleem walked off looking quite animated after the on-field decision. Ziaur Rahman is the last man in.

Manav Suthar to Mohammad Saleem, OUT! LBW! Saleem has been trapped in front of the sticks. Drifting one around the leg side, before turning away. Mohammad Saleem looks to block but misses. He is beaten on the outside edge and gets hit on the back pad. A gentle appeal, and the umpire raises his finger. Saleem thinks about going for the review and even has a chat with his partner before deciding to walk off without taking the review. Wicket number 6 for Manav Suthar and Afghanistan are now 143/9.

Manav Suthar to Mohammad Saleem, Tossed up, around off, Mohammad Saleem blocks this to point.

Manav Suthar to Mohammad Saleem, Fuller around off, Saleem looks to block this off his front foot but gets beaten.

Mohammad Saleem is the new batter.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, OUT! BOWLED'EM! A five-wicket haul on Test debut for Manav Suthar, the stuff of dreams. Full and around the leg stump. Rahmat Shah goes a long way across and looks for the sweep but misses, and the ball goes around his legs to crash into the stumps. Rahmat's resistance comes to an end. Afghanistan are now 8 down for 143.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Quicker and flatter around off, turning away from the batter. Rahmat Shah blocks this out.

Washington Sundar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Sundar comes over the stumps, bowls it full and around off. Nangeyalia Kharote leaves it.

Washington Sundar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Tossed up, on off, Nangeyalia Kharote drives this towards a deepish mid off.

Washington Sundar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Fuller around off, Kharote stabs this off his front foot.

Washington Sundar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Quicker one, around off, Nangeyalia Kharote defends this off his back foot.

Washington Sundar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Half a chance! Floated around off, Nangeyalia Kharote blocks this off his front foot. This goes a bit uppishly to the left of Sai Sudharsan at silly point, but he cannot stretch his left hand out quick enough.

Washington Sundar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Tossed up, around off, Nangeyalia Kharote pushes this to short cover.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up, around off, Rahmat Shah defends this off his front foot.

Manav Suthar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Fuller and flatter, in the line of the stumps. Nangeyalia Kharote blocks it with hard hands. Gets an inside edge and the ball goes past the left of Sai Sudharsan at short leg for a single.

Manav Suthar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Quicker one and fuller around off, Nangeyalia Kharote leaves it.

Manav Suthar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Short of a length, around off, turning back into the batter. Nangeyalia Kharote rocks back and keeps it out.

Manav Suthar to Nangeyalia Kharote, Fuller on off, Nangeyalia Kharote defends this out.

Nangeyalia Kharote walks out to bat.

Manav Suthar to Sharafuddin Ashraf, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! India get the review right, and that is wicket number 4 for Manav Suthar. A lot of drift into the batter, turning away after pitching, as has been the case for Suthar for most of this contest. Sharafuddin Ashraf looks for the slog towards the deep mid-wicket region but fails to connect and the ball is gathered behind the stumps by Rishabh Pant. A loud appeal for caught behind and a confident one but the umpire turns it down. Gill almost sends this upstairs immediately, standing close to the pitch. UltraEdge confirms a clear spike as the ball passes the bat and Ashraf has to walk back. End of a 24-run stand. Afghanistan are now 142/7, needing 223 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

Manav Suthar (20-10-26-3) returns to the attack.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! A boundary to end the over. Fuller, on the pads, Rahmat Shah shimmies down the track and flicks this past the right of the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. This was hit uppishly and wasn't that far from the fielder.

Washington Sundar to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Quicker one, around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf drives this through covers for a single.

Washington Sundar to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Here comes the big slog from Ashraf. Tossed up, around the pads, Sharafuddin Ashraf goes for a slog sweep but misses out and gets hit around his abdomen. Maybe this is how he will be going on from now on.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Quicker one, around off, Shah punches this through covers for one.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up, around off, Rahmat takes a long stride out in front and looks to block but gets beaten and is hit on the front pad. A loud appeal from the home side but the umpire turns it down.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Floated around off, Rahmat Shah rocks back and blocks this out.

DRINKS BREAK! Just the solitary wicket for India in the first hour or so of play, with Rahmat Shah continuing to lead Afghanistan's resistance. A word as well for Sharafuddin Ashraf, who is clearly struggling with that quad injury but continues to battle on for his side. There has not been quite as much turn on offer so far on Day 3 as there was yesterday, and you could sense a touch of frustration creeping into the Indian camp. Afghanistan are still 229 runs away from avoiding the follow-on. Washington Sundar to bowl after the break.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Slider around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf looks to block this off his back foot but gets beaten on the outside edge. Pant gathers this behind the stumps and appeals for caught behind, but the umpire shrugs it away.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Quicker one, on the pads, Sharafuddin Ashraf flicks this to long on but denies the single on offer again as he is not feeling the best while running between the wickets.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Short of a length, around off, Rahmat Shah tucks this to deep square leg and takes a run. Ashraf continues to struggle big time while running.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Much slower, flighted, wide of off, turning a long way back into the batter. Rahmat Shah looks to cut this late and square on off but misses out. The ball wasn't far from the off stump here.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Fuller on middle and leg, Rahmat presses onto his front foot and keeps it out.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Tossed up, around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf dabs this through the short third region for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, A bit of nip back, on the off stump, on a good length. Shah chops it down to point.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, A play and a miss! Siraj goes fuller now, outside off. Shah pushes away from his body and is lucky not to nick this one behind.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, At 131.5 kph, on a back of a length, on off. Rahmat angles it to backward point. Siraj walks up and chirps at the batter. Shah responds with a smile.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Hurls it on a good length, on off and middle. Rahmat gets forward to play it back to the bowler. Siraj picks the ball up and fires in a throw at the batting end, knocking down the stumps.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Siraj goes searching for the yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, on middle. Rahmat punches it to long off, where the fielder is in off the ropes. Shah is keen for a single but Ashraf sends him back.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Banged in short, on off. Shah swivels and pulls it to deep square leg but they do not run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Flighted up, full and on middle. Ashraf brings his bat out in front and dead bats it.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shorter and it is the googly, on the off stump. Ashraf reads the spin well and steers it on the bounce to KL Rahul at first slip.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Slower and fuller, on off. Sharafuddin Ashraf lunges to defend.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, From around the wicket now, on a nagging length, on middle. Ashraf stays back for the block.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, No ball! Serves the googly, full and landing outside the line of the leg stump. Sharafuddin Ashraf keeps it out off the front foot. Oh, Kuldeep has overstepped.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Across off, on the fuller side. Ashraf extends his hands to smother the spin. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.

The Afghanistan team physio has rushed out in the middle as Sharafuddin Ashraf is feeling discomfort in the area he had earlier injured.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Googly, full and on the off pole. Sharafuddin Ashraf lunges and drops it with soft hands in front of cover. Just as he sets off for the quick single, he pulls up and aborts the run before limping behind the wicket.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Delivers it on a short of a length, on middle. Rahmat turns it to mid-wicket.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Honing in on the off stump, on a good length. Shah covers the line and pats it down on the off side.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Dishes out the yorker, on middle. It tails back in towards the front boot. Shah jams it out.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Pitches it up at pace, on off. Shah firms the drive back to the bowler. Siraj makes a half-stop low to his right.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Pace taken off now, fuller and on middle. Shah taps it to the right of the bowler with a straight bat.

Mohammed Siraj to Sharafuddin Ashraf, A little too straight, on a nagging length, on the pads. Ashraf glances it down to deep fine leg and hobbles to the other end. 232 more needed to avoid the follow-on.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, A bit of turn back into the right-hander, on a length, on middle. Rahmat Shah is solid in defence.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Gives the ball a bit of air, on off. Rahmat strokes it to mid off.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Across the right-hander, full in length. Shah reaches out to defend.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Offers flight, full and on off. Shah attempts the drive but miscues it off the inner half back to the bowler.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up again, on the off stump. Shah drives it to mid off.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Flighted delivery, full and on off. Rahmat leans forward to defend.

Another bowling change as Kuldeep Yadav comes into the attack.

Mohammed Siraj to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Stays at the stumps, on the fuller side, Ashraf pushes it to mid on.

Well, remember 45.1 over, Rahmat Shah blocks a delivery close to his pads, and a wild throw from Dhruv Jurel allows him to get off strike. However, the replays reveal that the ball struck Shah's pads first and on Ball Tracking, it would have gone to hit the middle stump. Gill and the Indian side see the funny side of it now, but it could have been 4 for Manav Suthar and would have put India in a further commanding position.

Mohammed Siraj to Sharafuddin Ashraf, A loud shout for LBW, but turned down. Shubman Gill checks with the bowler and the men around the bat before going for the review. Tailing back into the right-hander by Siraj, attacking the front pad, on a length. Ashraf presents a straight bat for the block and his bat stays beside the pads. Ekes out an inside edge onto the front pad, confirmed by the replays, and the third umpire feels no need to go to UltraEdge. India lose their 2nd review.

Mohammed Siraj to Sharafuddin Ashraf, At 129.8 kph, on a short of a length, on middle. Ashraf pats it to the right of the bowler.

Mohammed Siraj to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Better line, on middle, on a good length. Sharafuddin stabs it down from the crease.

Mohammed Siraj to Sharafuddin Ashraf, FOUR! Easy pickings! Sprayed on the pads, on a length. Sharafuddin Ashraf just tickles it off the pads down to deep fine leg for a four.

Mohammed Siraj to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Targets the top of off first up, does Siraj. Sharafuddin Ashraf steers it from the crease to point.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Back to around the wicket, pushed through at 87.3 kph, full and on middle. Rahmat uses his feet and gets to the pitch of the ball to dab it down.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, From over the wicket now, turning away a touch, fractionally short, on off. Shah taps it to cover.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Darted in, full and on middle. Shah stabs it down off the front foot.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Flatter and shorter, outside off, Rahmat leaves it all alone.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Around the off stump, on a length, blocked out watchfully.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Floated up, on off. Rahmat smothers the spin by pressing forward.

Prasidh Krishna to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Just outside the off stump, on a nagging length, Ashraf shoulders arms.

Sharafuddin Ashraf might have hit a glorious cover drive, but he is struggling. That injury to his quad that he sustained is troubling him, and any degree of stretch to it will make him feel a tad uncomfortable.

Prasidh Krishna to Sharafuddin Ashraf, FOUR! Hammered! A juicy half-volley, on off. Sharafuddin Ashraf does not move his feet at all and gets his hands through the line of the ball. He cracks the drive along the ground to the left of mid off for a boundary.

Prasidh Krishna to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Lands it on a short of a length, on middle. Sharafuddin Ashraf taps it down the strip.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, On a back of a length, on off, this is angled behind point for a run.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Angled in, on a back of a length, on middle. Rahmat blocks it out from the crease.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Untidy by Kuldeep Yadav. That will be FIFTY for Rahmat Shah. It has been tough going, but Rahmat has dug deep and shown plenty of determination. Into the wicket, over middle. Rahmat gets his hands high and helps the pull down to deep fine leg. Kuldeep gets around to his right and gathers the ball, but as he tries to release the throw, the ball slips out of his grasp and drops beyond the ropes. Shah becomes the first Afghan batter to score a half-century against India in Test cricket, informs Deep Dasgupta.

Manav Suthar to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Beaten! Drags the length back now, slower and on off. Ashraf defends down the wrong line and is beaten past the outside edge.

Manav Suthar to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Full and at the sticks, that is kept out solidly off the front foot.

Manav Suthar to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Slows it down now, full and on off. Ashraf gets forward to defend.

Manav Suthar to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Keeps it full, but this is a bit quicker, on off. Sharafuddin Ashraf reaches out in front to smother the spin. Ashraf grimaces in pain as he is struggling to get forward due to the quad injury.

Manav Suthar to Sharafuddin Ashraf, An absolute peach! Drifting in, full and on off. Sharafuddin Ashraf pushes out in front but the ball lands and rips past the outside edge.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Needless throw! Speared in, full and on middle. Rahmat jams it out to silly point by keeping the bat close to the front pad. Dhruv Jurel tries to flick the ball onto the stumps at the batting end but his throw is wayward. It goes through the vacant leg slip region, allowing a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Sharafuddin Ashraf, A wicket-maiden from Prasidh Krishna. Tailing back in, on a good length, on middle. Sharafuddin Ashraf gets behind the line to defend.

Prasidh Krishna to Sharafuddin Ashraf, On top of off, Ashraf hops back to block it off.

Prasidh Krishna to Sharafuddin Ashraf, In the channel, on a length, this zips through. Sharafuddin Ashraf makes the leave.

Prasidh Krishna to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Keeps it full, on off. Ashraf works it to cover.

Sharafuddin Ashraf walks out next. After sustaining an injury on Day 1, Ashraf has made his way out to bat.

Prasidh Krishna to Azmatullah Omarzai, OUT! DRAGGED ON! A loose shot and Azmatullah Omarzai pays the price. Krishna serves it fuller this time, around the off stump. Omarzai pushes at the ball away from his body. The ball moves back in a touch off the deck, enough to catch the inside edge, and it clatters back into the leg pole. Afghanistan are now 6 down for 118, needing 247 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

Prasidh Krishna to Azmatullah Omarzai, Delivers it on a back of a length, on middle. A bit of nip back into the right-hander and Omarzai is solid in defence.

Rahmat Shah can be seen intentionally blocking the ball with his bat ahead of his pad, working on his previous habit of keeping his bat behind his pads, which frequently left him vulnerable to LBW dismissals.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Shah goes back to a fuller ball, on the off stump but manages to keep it out.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Pulls the length back now, on off. Shah punches it to cover.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Good use of the feet. Suthar offers flight and keeps it slower through the air, Shah advances to get to the pitch of the ball and strokes it all along the ground to the left of the diving mid off fielder for a four.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, A bit too full, on middle. Shah eases it to mid off.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Floated up now, on off. Shah leans on and defends with the bat close to the front pad. A bit of extra bounce results in the ball catching the splice of the bat and dropping in front of silly point.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Fractionally short, on off. Rahmat rocks back for the cut and hits it straight to cover.

Prasidh Krishna to Azmatullah Omarzai, Bashes the hard length, over off with a short leg in place. Azmatullah Omarzai stands tall and dabs it down to gully.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, First run of Day 3. Dug in short, over middle. Shah swivels and gets his hands high to pull it down to deep fine leg for a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Hits the back of a length, around off. Shah hangs back and taps it back to the bowler.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Fuller in length now, on middle. Shah knocks it to mid off.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Beaten! At 132.4 kph, angled in before nipping away. Rahmat presents a straight bat to cover the line but is beaten on the outside edge.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Krishna hurls it on a short of a length, outside off. Shah drives it on the up to cover.

Manav Suthar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Quicker through the air but the length stays full, on off. Omarzai dabs it down by getting forward. A maiden by Suthar, his 9th of the innings.

Manav Suthar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Gives a bit of air, full and on off. Azmatullah lunges to keep it out. The ball bounces in front of silly point.

Manav Suthar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Pushes it through, full and on middle. This is driven to mid off.

Manav Suthar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Slows it down and tosses it up, on off. Azmatullah pushes it to cover.

Manav Suthar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Attacking the front pad, on a length. Azmatullah Omarzai brings his bat out in front for the block.

Manav Suthar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Floated up, on off, this keeps straight and Omarzai gets forward to defend.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, In and around the off stump, on a short of a length. Rahmat stabs it down on the off side.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Oh, that could have gone anywhere. Slanting back in, on a back of a length, on middle. Shah pushes at the ball out in front of his body. The ball nips back to catch the inside before lobbing up off the thigh pad. It drops safely beside the strip on the leg side.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Drags the length back a bit and this is angled into the pads. Rahmat clips but can't get it past Shubman Gill at a catching mid-wicket.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Stays on the fuller side, outside off. Shah extends his hands for the drive but miscues it towards mid off.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Pushes the length further now and finds a bit of reverse swing, on middle. Rahmat digs it out.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Starts well, does Prasidh. Nice and full, attacking the stumps. Shah gets behind the line for the block but it goes off the inner half to square leg.

Prasidh Krishna will operate from the other end.

Manav Suthar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Begins from around the wicket, short and on middle. A bit of turn and Omarzai hangs back to defend.

All in readiness for action on Day 3 to commence. India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has been given the honour of ringing the bell before the start of play. The two umpires lead the way, followed by Shubman Gill and his troops. Azmatullah Omarzai is the new batter for Afghanistan, with Rahmat Shah present at the other end. Manav Suthar has one ball left in his over. Two slips and a silly point await. Let's go...

A quick chat with India's all-rounder - Washington Sundar speaks about his adaptability, focusing entirely on fulfilling whatever batting role the team demands to ensure they benefit in any given game situation. Transitioning from the IPL to Test cricket, Sundar says that it requires significant mental and physical preparation. Sundar praises Manav Suthar as a future matchwinner, highlighting his exceptional ability to put his entire body into every delivery.

PITCH REPORT - Former Australian captain, Michael Clarke, believes the surface still looks almost brand new, and he is impressed by how well the pitch has held together, despite the intense heat over the first two days. He observes a few footmarks developing that could become a factor as the match progresses. Clarke expects even more assistance for the spinners on Day 3 and also feels the surface could begin to keep a little lower as the game wears on. Former India wicketkeeper, Deep Dasgupta, echoes those sentiments, stressing that application against spin will be crucial, with the pitch expected to become progressively slower and lower over time.

Afghanistan's mountain to climb - Afghanistan find themselves in a precarious position, staring at a steep uphill battle. With half their side back in the hut, the visitors still trail India by a massive 451 runs. Experienced campaigner Rahmat Shah is fighting a lonely battle, but the road ahead on a deteriorating, spin-friendly track looks treacherous. To avoid the ignominy of a follow-on, Afghanistan must reach 365 in their first innings. Facing relentless pressure, the lower-order batters will need immense discipline to survive the challenging morning session on Day 3. While Suthar has successfully weaponised the turning ball from one end, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will be eager to leave his mark on Day 3. Stick around as the start of play is not far away.

Dream debut for Suthar - When India declared, the focus immediately shifted to their bowling line-up, and 23-year-old debutant Manav Suthar spectacularly stole the spotlight. Handed his maiden Test cap by Kuldeep Yadav, the young left-arm spinner from Rajasthan looked at home on the international stage from his very first over. Operating with a classical diagonal run-up, exceptional overspin, and a brisk pace, Suthar choked the run flow and extracted an astonishing degree of turn. He dismissed opener Abdul Malik on just his fourth delivery in international cricket and went on to claim the scalps of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai. Spinning a relentless web around the batters, Suthar ended Day 2 with stellar figures of 3/21 in 15.5 overs.

Welcome, everyone! The opening two days of the one-off Test match have seen Team India exhibit complete dominance over a trailing Afghanistan side. After electing to bat first, the hosts put on a clinical batting masterclass to post a gargantuan first-innings total of 564/8 declared. Centuries from captain Shubman Gill and seasoned campaigner KL Rahul anchored the mammoth innings. Dynamic contributions further amplified the onslaught, with Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant both playing fluent knocks of 81, followed by Washington Sundar's crucial unbeaten 52. Afghanistan's bowlers toiled hard in punishing heat, but barring a phenomenal maiden six-wicket haul from pacer Mohammad Saleem, they struggled to stem the flow of runs.

... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...

Afghanistan's uphill task - India's 564 is a long way away for Afghanistan, and their priority will be to avoid the follow-on, for which they still require another 252 runs. A lot will rest on Rahmat Shah to provide the resistance and bat deep into the innings if the visitors are to have any hope of narrowing the deficit. To add to Afghanistan's troubles, they could also be without all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf, who left the field with an injury on Day 1 and has not taken the field since. Shubman Gill will ask more of the same from his bowlers on Day 3 as India look to tighten their grip even further. The first ball will be bowled at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT). We look forward to having your company then. Goodbye and take care!

A tough reply - The bowling effort for Afghanistan was led by Mohammad Saleem, who charged in relentlessly despite the draining conditions and finished with six wickets. In reply, the visitors' troubles began almost immediately once Manav Suthar was introduced. The left-arm spinner struck with his fourth ball in Test cricket, and it only got better for him while Prasidh Krishna chipped in with a couple of wickets of his own. Rahmat Shah looked the most assured of the Afghan batters against spin on a surface that continued to ask questions.

Missed chances, heavy cost - As India resumed on 368/3, Afghanistan's best chance of keeping the hosts in check lay with the second new ball, but they were left to rue their decision-making with the DRS. Twice in two balls, first Shubman Gill and then Rishabh Pant survived appeals that would have been overturned had Afghanistan opted to review. Those reprieves allowed Gill and Pant to march on and further strengthen India's position. Even after the pair departed, there was no respite for the visitors as India's lower middle order chipped in to take them to 564 before declaring in the second session.

Let's hear from the debutant - Manav Suthar says that he was looking to back his strength and hit the right areas as the wicket is conducive for the spinners. Adds that he was looking to turn the ball and hit a consistent spot, which helped him. Manav shares that playing for India is a dream come true, and it feels good to contribute for the side, but there is still a lot left to be done.

India tighten their grip - A wicket in the dying embers caps off another commanding day for Shubman Gill and his men. Afghanistan continue to face an uphill battle in this Test as India first piled on the misery with the bat and then backed it up with the ball.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Afsar Zazai stands there in disbelief. Another one drifting into the batter, and turning away after pitching. This kept low as well. Zazai rocks onto his back foot and looks to play the pull. Gets a leading edge towards the bowler. Manav Suthar moves to his right, settles himself underneath it and holds onto it for his 3rd wicket. This will also be STUMPS ON DAY 2.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Manav comes from over the stumps, bowls it full and around off. Afsar Zazai gets close to the pitch of the ball and keeps it out.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Fuller around off, Afsar defends this off his front foot.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Length dragged back from Manav around middle and off, Afsar Zazai blocks this off his back foot.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Flighted, around off, Zazai blocks this off his front foot.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Pushed through on middle and off, Rahmat Shah rocks onto his back foot and keeps it out.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Full and around off, Rahmat Shah keeps it out with a push back to the bowler.

Washington Sundar to Afsar Zazai, Fuller around off, Afsar Zazai dabs this off the outer half through point for one.

Washington Sundar to Afsar Zazai, Shorter from Washington, on middle and leg. Zazai hops up on his toes and keeps it out.

Washington Sundar to Afsar Zazai, Quicker one, on middle and leg, Zazai nudges this to the left of short leg.

Washington Sundar to Afsar Zazai, Flighted, around off, Zazai comes down the track and tucks this to mid-wicket.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Tossed up, around off, Afsar Zazai blocks this to silly point. Dhruv Jurel flicks the ball towards the keeper but it goes well wide and that allows the batters to run a single here.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Fuller around off, Afsar Zazai blocks this off his front foot.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Arm-delivery, on middle and off, Zazai stabs it down off his back foot.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Zazai is playing a risky game by going onto his back foot against Manav. Floated up, around off, Afsar Zazai goes deep inside the crease and blocks this out.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Fired on off, Afsar Zazai dabs this to point off his back foot.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Tossed up, wide of off, turning away from the batter. Afsar Zazai leaves it.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Full and on the pads, Rahmat flicks this to short mid-wicket. This was flicked in the air but well short of the fielder.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Quicker and flatter around off, Rahmat tucks this to the leg side.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, SIX! Good use of the feet. Pushed through around the off stump, Rahmat Shah shimmies down the track and smashes this up and over the bowler into the fence towards the sight screen.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, A bit of turn, on a length, on middle. Rahmat Shah defends it out.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Full and on middle, steered to backward point.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Sundar is back with a change of ends. Serves it full, on off. Rahmat gets forward to block.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Fuller around off, Afsar Zazai blocks this out.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Aerial, but it does not carry! A lot of grip and bounce on offer for Manav again as he bowls this around that nagging length on off, turning away from the batter. Zazai cuts, but it goes uppishly off the outer half towards the backward point region. Siraj moves to his right and dives in front, but gathers this on the half-volley.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Arm-delivery, on middle and leg, Zazai jams it off the inner portion of his bat to square leg.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Much slower, short of a length as well and in the line of the stumps. Zazai blocks this off his front foot.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Quicker and fuller around off, Afsar Zazai keeps it out.

Manav Suthar to Afsar Zazai, Manav drifts one in and turns it away after pitching. Afsar Zazai defends this off his front foot.

Manav Suthar is back with about 17 minutes left in the day's play. 13-6-20-2 so far for the debutant.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Right in the channel, on off, around that good length area. Rahmat Shah dabs this to point.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, A well-directed bumper, on middle and leg, Rahmat Shah ducks down.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Pitched-up delivery, around off, Rahmat Shah drives this past the diving mid off fielder who makes a half-stop for one.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Hard length, around off, Rahmat dabs this to point.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmat Shah, Back of a length, around off, Rahmat Shah defends this to covers.

Prasidh Krishna to Afsar Zazai, Short pitched, around middle and leg, Afsar Zazai flicks this through backward square leg for a single.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Short of a length, quicker and onto the pads, Rahmat tucks this past the right of the fielder at short leg.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up, around off, Rahmat Shah prods in front and keeps it out.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Flatter and fuller, around off, Shah rocks back and keeps it out.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Pushed through on off, Rahmat Shah blocks this off his front foot.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Excellently driven. Floated up, on off, Rahmat brings his front foot close to the line of the ball and drives it through the gap between mid off and extra cover for four runs. The 100 is up for Afghanistan.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Short and wide outside off, Rahmat cuts this to backward point.

Prasidh Krishna to Afsar Zazai, Hard length, on top of off, Afsar Zazai blocks this out.

Prasidh Krishna to Afsar Zazai, Krishna bowls this full and around off, Afsar Zazai blocks this off his front foot. Zazai is playing with hard hands, so India might strengthen their slip cordon.

Prasidh Krishna to Afsar Zazai, Good length, around off, Afsar Zazai thumps this off his front foot towards the left of the bowler.

Prasidh Krishna to Afsar Zazai, Yorker, first up to the Afghanistan wicketkeeper batter. Afsar Zazai keeps it out.

Afsar Zazai is the next batter to bat for Afghanistan.

Prasidh Krishna to Hashmatullah Shahidi, OUT! LBW! Gone this time? Shahidi takes his time before going for the review. Angled in from around the wicket, on a good length, on middle and leg. Hashmatullah is caught in the crease and brings his bat forward to play the line of the ball. He is beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the front pad. No bat involved, the replays confirm. The Ball Tracking confirms that the ball would have crashed into the leg stump. It is three reds, and the on-field decision is upheld. Afghanistan lose their skipper and they are now 4 down for 98, needing 267 more runs to avoid the follow-on. The tourists are 466 runs away from parity.

Prasidh Krishna to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Easy pickings! A loosener by Prasidh, full and wide on off. Hashmatullah Shahidi needs no second invitation. He leans into the drive and strokes it through cover-point for a four.

Prasidh Krishna replaces Mohammed Siraj in the attack.

Washington Sundar to Rahmat Shah, Turning back into the right-hander, fuller and on middle. Rahmat squeezes out an inside edge onto the pads and the ball dribbles behind towards the keeper.

Washington Sundar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fuller and on off, driven to long off for a single.

Washington Sundar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darted in at the pads, on a good length. Kept out watchfully by Shahidi.

Washington Sundar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Shorter and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi stabs it down off the back foot.

Washington Sundar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Given LBW but successfully overturned! Sliding on with the arm, on a length, attacking the front pad. Shahidi presses forward for the block and is rapped on the front pad. This looks straight, and it has been given, but Hashmatullah has reviewed it. The Afghanistan skipper looks pretty confident. Was there an inside edge? Oh, yes, the replays and the UltraEdge confirm the inside edge. The on-field decision gets overturned.

Washington Sundar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Drifting in from around the wicket, full and on middle. This is firmly driven back to the bowler.

Washington Sundar comes into the attack.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, At 135.9 kph, on the fuller side, Shah defends it right under his eyes.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Pushes the length up slightly, on off. Rahmat covers the line and plays it to the right of the bowler.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Hits the top of off, on a back of a length. Rahmat glides it to backward point.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Brave leave! Tailing back in, on a length, just outside the off stump. Shah shoulders arms without covering the off stump and the ball whistles past the timber.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Goes full this time, on off. Rahmat presses forward to pat it to cover.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Steams in from over the wicket with a short mid on in place. Lands it on a back of a length, on middle. Shah taps it down the strip.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Beaten! Back to over the wicket, fired in on a good length, outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi plays for the turn, but the ball keeps straight to go past the outside edge.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Flat and short, on middle. Hashmatullah presses back to keep it out.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fuller from around the wicket, spinning back in, on middle. Shahidi is solid in defence.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Turning down leg, Hashmatullah pads it away.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Slows it down and drags the length back, on middle. Shahidi tucks it on the bounce to short leg.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Pushed through, full and on off. Hashmatullah Shahidi rocks back for the block.

Mohammed Siraj to Rahmat Shah, Siraj finds a bit of reverse, around the off stump, on a good length. Shah covers the line and stabs it down on the off side.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Brings the stumps into play, on a length. Hashmatullah nudges it wide of mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, In the channel, on a length. This is angled to backward point.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Top edge but safe. Siraj digs it on a hard length, over off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pivots on the back foot for the pull. This kicks up a bit to catch the top edge. It flies over the keeper's head for a four.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Dug in short, on off. Shahidi swivels for the pull but it comes on slower than he expected. Toe-ends it to the right of the bowler.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hurls it on a good length, on the off stump. Hashmatullah Shahidi stabs it down on the off side.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Just about kept out! Arm ball by Manav, on a good length, on off and middle. Rahmat Shah adjusts to the low bounce and keeps it out.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Short again, outside off. Rahmat shapes up to cut but is beaten by the turn.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Shorter and on off. Shah stabs it down on the off side.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Oh, that nearly sneaked through. Full and speared in, on middle. Rahmat Shah leans on to drive it through the off side. Gets an inside edge and it races down to deep fine leg for a boundary. That brings up 1000 runs in Test cricket for Rahmat. He becomes the first Afghan batter to reach the landmark, informs Murali Kartik.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Flighted up, on off. Shahidi knocks it wide of cover and crosses over.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, This keeps low. Drops it short, on off. Rahmat hops back to punch it to the right of point for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, A bit fuller now, on the off stump. Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it close to his body.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length, around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks this with a straight bat.

The ball seems to have lost its shape and is no longer passing through the gauge. The fourth umpire is out with the box of balls. While the replacement gets picked, the umpires have called for a drinks break. It is turning into a stern examination for the Afghanistan batters against India's spinners. Rahmat Shah has looked the more assured of the two batters, and the tourists would ideally like to get through to the close without any further damage. Mohammed Siraj has been brought back into the attack in the hope of extracting some reverse swing with the old ball. He is all set to resume after the break.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Siraj comes around the stumps and bowls it on a good length, around off. Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks this to mid off.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length, around off, a hint of away swing on offer. Hashmatullah Shahidi keeps it out.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full and onto the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes this to the left of the bowler.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length, around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends this off his back foot.

Mohammed Siraj to Hashmatullah Shahidi, WIDE! Bumper, a tad too high on the batter. Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it. Wide called by the umpire.

Pace back on as Mohammed Siraj returns.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Full and on off, Rahmat Shah blocks this off his front foot.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, A gentle appeal for LBW, but the umpire turns it down. Shubman Gill has opted for DRS. Quicker one, around off, turning away from the batter. Rahmat Shah comes onto his front foot and blocks this out. Rahmat has the tendency to keep his bat behind the pads as he blocks, and that has forced Gill to opt for DRS. Replays and the UltraEdge don't show anything convincing to suggest that it is pad first. The on-field decision stands. India lose a review.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! A lot of grip and bounce here for Manav Suthar. Quicker one, around off, slightly short of a length. Rahmat Shah rocks back to cut this one but the ball gets a bit of extra purchase and the top edge this over the fielder at first slip for a boundary towards the third man region.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Full and on off, Rahmat Shah keeps it out off his front foot.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, A lot of drift back into the batter, turning away a touch after pitching. Rahmat Shah looks to block this but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Manav Suthar to Rahmat Shah, Fuller and flatter on off, Rahmat Shah blocks this out.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries to end the over. Full and on the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks this well in front of square towards the deep mid-wicket region for four runs. Afghanistan trail by 487 runs. 288 more needed to avoid the follow-on.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hashmatullah Shahidi, DROPPED, FOUR! A genuine outside edge induced by Kuldeep Yadav, but KL Rahul at first slip grasses the chance. Kuldeep drags the length back and bowls this on a nagging length, around off, turning away from the batter. Hashmatullah Shahidi comes onto his front foot and looks to block this, but gets an outside edge. The ball goes low towards Rahul around his left boot. He is late to get down, and the ball clips his fingertips before racing to the third man region for four.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Kuldeep gives this a lot more air, bowls it full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks this out.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Tossed up, around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi drives this past the bowler to mid off.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Taken on the second attempt! Is it off the bat? Flighted, wide outside off, draws the batter into the drive. The ball turns away after pitching, beats the outside edge of the batter and Rishabh Pant grabs this on the juggle. A lot of chatter to send this upstairs for DRS regarding caught behind but India decide against it. There was a noise, but it seemed to be from the bat hitting the turf.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fuller around off, turning away from the batter. Shahidi blocks this to silly point.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Tossed up, around off, Shahidi presses close to the pitch of the ball and drives this to the right of extra cover for a single. Hashmatullah gets off the mark on the 17th delivery he has faced.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Manav attacks the pads of Shahidi with a quicker one, on middle and leg, Hashmatullah tucks this to backward square leg.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fired wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it all alone.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Quicker one, on middle and off, Hashmatullah Shahidi keeps it out.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fuller around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi puts on the dancing shoes and comes down the track. He slogs at it but miscues it towards a slightly deep mid-wicket. Shahidi is yet to get off the mark.

Manav Suthar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darted onto the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi clips this to mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up, around off, Rahmat Shah blocks it to mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! This is a loose ball from Kuldeep Yadav and Rahmat makes him pay. A drag down, wide of off, Rahmat Shah hops quickly onto his back foot and punches this through the covers region for a boundary.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Nicely tossed up, around off, Rahmat Shah defends this off his front foot.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Kuldeep drags his length back here, bowls it outside off. Rahmat Shah defends this to silly point.

Kuldeep Yadav to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up, around off, Shah drives this to the bowler's left. Kuldeep puts in a dive and fields it.