Rahul, Sai Sudharsan Put India in Command with Century Stand Against Afghanistan

Rahul, Sai Sudharsan Put India in Command with Century Stand Against Afghanistan

New Chandigarh, June 6: KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan produced a masterclass in patience and controlled aggression as India seized control of the one-off Test against Afghanistan on the opening day at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. At Tea on Day 1, India were comfortably placed at 209/2 in 50 overs, thanks largely to a magnificent 139-run partnership between the two batters.

Rahul remained unbeaten on 81 at the interval, while captain Shubman Gill was batting confidently on 20. Afghanistan’s only success during the afternoon session came through pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi, who dismissed the well-set Sai Sudharsan for an impressive 81.

Resuming the second session at 96/1, India built steadily on the solid platform laid in the morning. Rahul, who had weathered a disciplined Afghan bowling attack in the opening session, looked increasingly assured after lunch. The experienced right-hander began to find the gaps with greater regularity, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike efficiently. His fluent innings brought up a well-deserved half-century, his 21st in Test cricket.

At the other end, Sai continued to justify the faith shown in him by the team management. The young left-hander combined sound technique with positive intent, registering his third Test fifty in another mature display. He looked particularly comfortable against spin, frequently using the sweep shot and driving confidently through the off side.

The duo gradually wore down the Afghan attack, frustrating the bowlers with their discipline and ability to convert scoring opportunities. Afghanistan did create a few chances but failed to capitalise. Sai received a major reprieve when an outside edge off Ziaur Rahman Sharifi flew past wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai after he had reached 59. Rahul, too, survived a close lbw appeal against Saleem Safi after an inside edge saved him during a successful review.

As the partnership flourished, India crossed the 150-run and 175-run milestones with ease. Afghanistan continued to search for a breakthrough, with Sharifi maintaining tight lines and Saleem Safi extracting reverse swing from the aging ball.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 43rd over. Saleem Safi produced a fuller delivery outside off stump that drew Sai into a tentative push. The edge was safely collected by wicketkeeper Zazai, ending a superb innings of 81 from 104 deliveries that included 13 boundaries. More importantly, it brought an end to a crucial 139-run partnership that had transformed India’s position after an early setback at 41/1.

Indian skipper Shubman Gill walked in at No. 4 and settled quickly despite an early lbw scare against Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. The visitors opted for a review, but the decision remained in Gill’s favour. The skipper responded positively, showcasing his class with elegant drives and authoritative pull shots as he raced to an unbeaten 20.

Rahul, meanwhile, continued to anchor the innings with composure, moving into the eighties and keeping the scoreboard ticking. His calm presence at the crease ensured India crossed the 200-run mark before Tea and remained firmly in control of the contest.

While Afghanistan will draw encouragement from finally breaking the Rahul-Sai stand, the momentum remains firmly with India heading into the final session. With Rahul eyeing a century and Gill looking increasingly settled, the hosts will aim to build a commanding first-innings total.

Brief Scores: India 209/2 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 81 not out, Sai Sudharsan 81, Shubman Gill 20 not out) against Afghanistan. Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed both wickets for 50 runs.

New Chandigarh, June 2026: KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan produced a masterclass in patience and controlled aggression as India seized control of the one-off Test against Afghanistan on the opening day at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. At Tea on Day 1, India were comfortably placed at 209/2 in 50 overs, thanks largely to a magnificent 139-run partnership between the two batters.

Rahul remained unbeaten on 81 at the interval, while captain Shubman Gill was batting confidently on 20. Afghanistan’s only success during the afternoon session came through pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi, who dismissed the well-set Sai Sudharsan for an impressive 81.

Resuming the second session at 96/1, India built steadily on the solid platform laid in the morning. Rahul, who had weathered a disciplined Afghan bowling attack in the opening session, looked increasingly assured after lunch. The experienced right-hander began to find the gaps with greater regularity, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike efficiently. His fluent innings brought up a well-deserved half-century, his 21st in Test cricket.

At the other end, Sai continued to justify the faith shown in him by the team management. The young left-hander combined sound technique with positive intent, registering his third Test fifty in another mature display. He looked particularly comfortable against spin, frequently using the sweep shot and driving confidently through the off side.

The duo gradually wore down the Afghan attack, frustrating the bowlers with their discipline and ability to convert scoring opportunities. Afghanistan did create a few chances but failed to capitalise. Sai received a major reprieve when an outside edge off Ziaur Rahman Sharifi flew past wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai after he had reached 59. Rahul, too, survived a close lbw appeal against Saleem Safi after an inside edge saved him during a successful review.

As the partnership flourished, India crossed the 150-run and 175-run milestones with ease. Afghanistan continued to search for a breakthrough, with Sharifi maintaining tight lines and Saleem Safi extracting reverse swing from the aging ball.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 43rd over. Saleem Safi produced a fuller delivery outside off stump that drew Sai into a tentative push. The edge was safely collected by wicketkeeper Zazai, ending a superb innings of 81 from 104 deliveries that included 13 boundaries. More importantly, it brought an end to a crucial 139-run partnership that had transformed India’s position after an early setback at 41/1.

Indian skipper Shubman Gill walked in at No. 4 and settled quickly despite an early lbw scare against Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. The visitors opted for a review, but the decision remained in Gill’s favour. The skipper responded positively, showcasing his class with elegant drives and authoritative pull shots as he raced to an unbeaten 20.

Rahul, meanwhile, continued to anchor the innings with composure, moving into the eighties and keeping the scoreboard ticking. His calm presence at the crease ensured India crossed the 200-run mark before Tea and remained firmly in control of the contest.

While Afghanistan will draw encouragement from finally breaking the Rahul-Sai stand, the momentum remains firmly with India heading into the final session. With Rahul eyeing a century and Gill looking increasingly settled, the hosts will aim to build a commanding first-innings total.

Brief Scores: India 209/2 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 81 not out, Sai Sudharsan 81, Shubman Gill 20 not out) against Afghanistan. Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed both wickets for 50 runs.