Afghanistan make late surge on day one of inaugural Test against India

Sport360 staff 17:54 14/06/2018
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  • India lost wickets in a heap in the final session. Image -ACB/Twitter.

    Afghanistan‘s bowlers claimed some late success on their Test debut after Indian openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay had both made centuries on a rain-hit opening day in Bengaluru.

    After winning the toss, the hosts soon set about Afghanistan, who were captained by Asghar Stanikzai for the historic one-off encounter, scheduled for five days at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

    Dhawan delivered his century from just 87 deliveries – including 18 boundaries and three sixes – before lunch, becoming the first Indian batsman to do so in one session.

    Shortly afterwards, though, he became the first Test wicket for Afghanistan when caught on 107 in the slips off paceman Yamin Ahmadzai.

    Rain forced the players off at the start of the 46th over, with India at 248 for one when the decision was taken for an early tea.

    After another rain delay, Vijay brought up his century off 143 deliveries – but Afghanistan then enjoyed some late swing success during the fading light as the opener was trapped leg before by 18-year-old bowler Wafadar on 105.

    India were soon 284 for three in the next over after KL Rahul, who made 54, played on from Ahmadzai’s delivery. Captain Ajinkya Rahane also followed for 10, given lbw to spinner Rashid Khan on review, and Cheteshwar Pujara (35) edged Mujeeb Ur Rahman to first slip.

    Wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik was run out on a close review after chasing a quick single when on four, as India finally got through to stumps at 347 for six. Hardik Pandya was 10 not out and Ravichandran Ashwin was on seven.

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