NEW CHANDIGARH: India completed their biggest-ever victory in Test cricket, defeating Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs on the third day of the one-off match.
Resuming the day under pressure, Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in their first innings after India had declared on 564 for 8. Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar starred with 6 for 33, producing one of the best bowling performances by an Indian on Test debut.
Afghanistan’s middle order offered brief resistance, but Suthar’s accuracy and turn proved decisive as India secured a massive first-innings lead and enforced the follow-on.
In the second innings, Afghanistan attempted a more aggressive approach but were unable to challenge India’s bowlers. Washington Sundar led the attack with 4 for 36, while Kuldeep Yadav claimed 3 for 30 as the visitors were dismissed for 112.
Afghanistan’s batters showed occasional intent, particularly through a fighting knock from opener Sediqullah Atal, but wickets fell regularly as India maintained control throughout the day.
Suthar added another wicket in the second innings to cap a memorable debut, while India’s spin trio dominated on a surface that increasingly favoured slow bowling.
The victory surpassed India’s previous biggest Test win by margin and highlighted the depth of their bowling resources, with the hosts wrapping up the match inside three days.
