Suthar six-for rolls Afghanistan over for 152 on Day 3
India Demolishes Afghanistan in New Chandigarh
India established complete dominance on day three of the bilateral clash in New Chandigarh, enforcing the follow-on after a spectacular bowling performance. Having declared their first innings at an imposing 564 for 8, India’s bowlers wasted no time in dismantling the opposition batting lineup. While Shubman Gill’s masterclass of 126 and KL Rahul’s elegant 100 set the stage on the previous days, day three belonged entirely to the bowlers, particularly a young left-arm spinner making waves on his debut. A brilliant Suthar six-for rolls Afghanistan over for 152, leaving the visitors trailing by a massive 412 runs and facing an uphill battle to save the match.
The Manav Suthar Masterclass
Manav Suthar looked like he was operating on an entirely different pitch compared to his counterparts. After a highly promising debut performance last afternoon where he claimed three wickets, Suthar turned his momentum into a dream extended spell on the third day. He ended the innings with sensational figures of 6 for 33, displaying immense control, drift, and turn. Despite the blazing heat and a pitch that began to flatten out, offering little assistance to India’s other frontline spinners, Suthar managed to extract consistent grip.
Maintaining a steady bowling speed of around 90 kph throughout the session, Suthar kept the Afghan batters guessing. He resumed his spell in the morning with just one ball left in his over, but immediately made his intentions clear by getting the ball to turn sharply. His ability to adapt and find purchase from an unresponsive surface highlighted his maturity at this level. Suthar’s victims included Sharafuddin Ashraf, the well-set Rahmat Shah, and Mohammad Saleem to wrap up a historic six-wicket haul on debut.
Rahmat Shah Mounts a Lonely Crusade
For the first hour and a half of the morning session, Rahmat Shah spearheaded Afghanistan’s resistance. Facing a monumental task to reach the 365-run mark required to avoid the follow-on, Rahmat played a highly disciplined and stoic innings. He reached a hard-fought half-century off 100 balls, showcasing solid defensive technique and selective shot-making on a challenging morning. He eventually top-scored for his side with a valiant 60.
However, his dismissal triggered the final collapse. In an attempt to break the shackles with an expansive sweep shot, Rahmat was bowled around his legs by Suthar. His departure as the eighth wicket effectively ended any hopes of an Afghan recovery, as India wrapped up the remaining two wickets in less than two overs following his exit.
Prasidh Krishna Strikes Early Blows
While Suthar dominated the spin department, tall paceman Prasidh Krishna provided critical breakthroughs from the opposite end. Finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 37, Prasidh consistently hit a back-of-a-length area, utilizing the angles off the pitch to create constant jeopardy. Early in the day, within the first six overs of play, Prasidh claimed the crucial wicket of Azmatullah Omarzai.
Omarzai, attempting to push at a wide delivery outside off-stump, left a yawning gap between bat and ball. Prasidh got the delivery to jag back sharply off the seam, catching the inside edge and crashing into the stumps. This early breakthrough set the tone for the rest of the day, exposing Afghanistan’s middle order early in the session.
Support Bowling and Tactical Pressure
Mohammed Siraj also contributed with a tight three-over spell, conceding only five runs and maintaining intense pressure on the batters. Although a review for an LBW off an inside edge did not go India’s way, Siraj’s spell kept the pressure high before the spinners took over. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav bowled in tandem from opposite ends. Initially, both bowlers appeared somewhat innocuous compared to Suthar, as Kuldeep hesitated to put heavy revolutions on the ball.
However, India tactically exploited the vulnerabilities of the Afghan lineup. Sharafuddin Ashraf struggled visibly to bat due to a groin injury, which severely restricted his footwork. Kuldeep began lobbing up slower deliveries, forcing the injured batter to step out and deadbat. Seizing the opportunity, India brought Suthar back into the attack. Suthar quickly exploited Ashraf’s limited reach, drawing an edge that traveled safely into the hands of the keeper.
Washington Sundar then claimed the final wicket of the innings, enticing Ziaur into a wild swipe across the line. Rishabh Pant ran in comfortably to secure the catch, sealing Afghanistan’s fate at 152 all out. With a massive deficit of 412 runs, Afghanistan was asked to follow-on, facing an incredibly daunting task as they prepared to bat for the second time in the match.
