Manav Suthar’s Dream Debut 6/33 Puts India In Command As Afghanistan Follow On

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar produced a sensational six-wicket haul on debut (6/33) as India national cricket team bowled out Afghanistan national cricket team for a modest 152 on Day 3 of the one-off Test on Monday, taking firm control of the match and enforcing the follow-on.

Suthar’s first innings figures of 22-10-33-6 reflected his exceptional control, extracting sharp turn and maintaining relentless pressure on Afghanistan’s batting unit, which struggled throughout against disciplined spin bowling on a slow surface. With India imposing the follow-on, Afghanistan reached 18 without loss at lunch , still requiring 394 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

Despite the collapse, Afghanistan found resistance through experienced batter Rahmat Shah , who scored a composed 60 off 135 balls , including nine boundaries and a six. However, he remained under constant pressure before falling while attempting an aggressive shot, becoming Suthar’s fifth wicket.

India’s pace attack also made early inroads, with Prasidh Krishna returning figures of 3/37 in 11 overs , including the dismissal of Azmatullah Omarzai, who was bowled after playing onto a 140 kmph delivery.

In Afghanistan’s second innings, injury concerns further weakened their resistance, with Sharafuddin Ashraf visibly struggling with a hamstring issue while scoring 11 runs before being dismissed by Suthar. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant completed the catch as the spinner continued his disciplined spell.

Suthar became only the 10th Indian bowler and the seventh spinner to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut, marking a rare milestone in Indian cricket. His ability to consistently land the ball in testing areas repeatedly unsettled the Afghan batters, none of whom looked comfortable at the crease.

Despite the historic performance, the match witnessed a modest turnout, with only a few hundred spectators present in the stands. With India firmly in control, Afghanistan now face an uphill battle to avoid an innings defeat.