Debutant Manav Suthar had a dream debut in New Chandigarh against Afghanistan in a one-off Test. Although this match against the Afghans won’t be part of the WTC cycle, India will end the one-off Test with the biggest gain as it secured a dominant innings and 300 runs victory.
After posting a massive innings total of 564, the Men in Blue dismantled Afghanistan’s batting line-up, thanks to Manav Suthar, who returned with brilliant figures of 6/33. Suthar’s sensational bowling forced a follow-on in Afghanistan, where they fared much worse in the second innings as they got bundled out for 112 in 35.5 overs.
Washington Sundar led India’s bowling attack in the second innings as he claimed four wickets, conceding 36 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav (3/30) also helped himself to some easy pickings.
Manav Suthar scripted history in a one-off Test
The one-off Test match belonged to debutant Suthar, a left-arm orthodox spinner from Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar, as he became the 10th Indian bowler to take a five-for on debut, while his overall wicket tally in this match was seven (6/33 – First Innings ) (1/29 – Second Innings).
With Ravichandran Ashwin having stepped away from Test cricket and Ravindra Jadeja entering the final stage of his red-ball career, Manav Suthar’s rise offers India a timely glimpse into the future of its spin department.
However, more challenges await the young left-armer in Sri Lanka, where he is likely to come up against a far more accomplished batting unit. Strong performances will help him cement his position as India are looking for other options beyond Jadeja during the remainder of the current World Test Championship cycle.
Afghanistan batter’s failed to find rhythm throughout the match
As for Afghanistan, their batting lineup displayed lack of experience and poor decision-making at the crease proved costly, particularly in the second innings.
Afghanistan’s batter failed to find rhythm against India’s spin attack, however, Left-handed opener Sediqullah Atal (42), who was part of the Delhi Capitals setup this season, fell on the stroke of tea after attempting to hit Washington Sundar against the turn. The mistimed shot went straight to Mohammed Siraj at backward point.
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz (24) also looked intent on attacking his way out of trouble. Sensing an opportunity, skipper Shubman Gill stationed Siraj at long-on and asked Kuldeep Yadav to tempt the opener into a big shot. The tactic worked instantly as Gurbaz picked out the fielder in the deep.
The pattern continued when Rahmat Shah (13), Afghanistan’s top scorer in the first innings, tried to loft Washington over mid-off. However, he failed to clear Manav Suthar, who completed a comfortable catch.
Amid Afghanistan’s batting collapse, the left-arm orthodox bowler finished with remarkable figures of 6 for 33 from 22 overs, including 10 maidens. Beyond the wickets, the numbers reflected the relentless accuracy and control he maintained throughout the innings, with Afghanistan’s inexperienced batters rarely looking comfortable against him.
Also Read:Meet Manav Suthar, Rajasthan Star Who Grabbed Six Wickets On Test Debut For India
