Debutant Suthar leads India’s spin demolition of Afghanistan

India registered a record innings and 300-run victory over Afghanistan inside three days in Mullanpur, riding on Manav Suthar’s six-fer in the first innings on Test debut and a combined eight wickets from the spinners in the second innings.

Resuming on the overnight score of 113-5, trailing by 451 more, Afghanistan succumbed to 152 in their first innings. Rahmat Shah offered brief resistance to convert his patient knock into a 60 but the Indian bowlers – Suthar and Prasidh Krishna – had already picked a wicket early on Day Three.

Once Rahmat fell – becoming Suthar’s fifth victim – Afghanistan collapsed quickly.

India imposed the follow-on, and to their credit, Afghanistan did begin their second innings on a bright note. The openers put on a 42-run stand, with Abdul Malik holding the fort and Sediqullah Atal bringing in most runs.

Malik fell after a patient eight off 40 deliveries, and Atal then combined with Ramanullah Gurbaz to stitch a 32-run partnership for the second wicket. Gurbaz played the agressor, making a run-a-ball 24, inclusive of three boundaries and a six.

Once this partnership was broken by Kuldeep Yadav, Afghanistan didn’t take long to implode. Atal fell for 42, and Rahmat Shah then was the only other batter to enter double digits.

Washington Sundar ran through the middle-order to pick up 4-36, while Kuldeep bagged 3-30 as the visitors folded for a mere 112 in the second innings to concede a big win. (Cricbuzz)