Mohammad Saleem Safi produced the standout performance for Afghanistan with a six-wicket haul, but India tightened their grip on the one-off Test after declaring their first innings at 564 for 8 on the second day on Monday.
The Afghan fast bowler finished with figures of 6 for 140 in 27 overs, accounting for six Indian batsmen and delivering the best bowling performance of the match for the visitors.
Saleem’s sixth wicket came when he bowled Mohammad Siraj, capping an impressive spell in just his second Test appearance. Earlier, he had claimed a five-wicket haul before adding another scalp as India continued to pile on runs.
India’s innings was anchored by centuries from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Gill scored 126 from 177 balls, while Rahul made 100 off 165 deliveries as the hosts built a formidable total.
Afghanistan’s other wickets were shared by Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who took one wicket each and finished with figures of 1 for 91.
After India declared at 564 for 8 in 127 overs, Afghanistan faced a difficult task against a massive first-innings total.
By the tea interval on the second day, Afghanistan had reached 28 for 1 in 5.4 overs, still trailing by 536 runs.
Despite India’s dominance, Saleem’s six-wicket haul provided a bright spot for Afghanistan and marked a significant milestone for the young fast bowler, who is playing only his second Test match.
Afghanistan will now look to build partnerships and reduce the deficit as they seek to avoid falling further behind in the match.
