Manav Suthar plays on debut as India leave Afghanistan reeling in the one-off Test

India’s Manav Suthar, second from left, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo) India tightened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan on day two at New Chandigarh, with left-arm debutant Manav Suthar producing a fine spell after the hosts declared at 564/8.The foundation for India’s dominance was laid by the batsmen piling on the runs before skipper Shubman Gill called time on the innings shortly after Washington Sundar reached his half-century. Sundar remained unbeaten on 52 to register his sixth Test fifty, while Mohammed Siraj chipped in with a quickfire 22 off 12 balls. Earlier, Gill’s 126, KL Rahul’s century and knocks of 81 from Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant propelled India to a formidable total.Afghanistan’s response got off to the worst possible start when Suthar struck in his very first match in Test cricket. Abdul Malik tried an aggressive sweep against the spinning ball but only managed it top edge to backward square leg.Prasidh Krishna then joined the act after tea and produced a sharp chipper that crashed into Sediqullah Atal’s stumps. While the quicks brought the breakthrough, it was Suthar who steered the innings with remarkable discipline. Bowling maiden after maiden, he denied the batsmen any room to settle and eventually forced Rahmanullah Gurbaz to an edge that was held safely at slip.Rahmat Shah offered Afghanistan resistance and ended the day unbeaten on 43. In the process, he became the first Afghan batsman to reach 1000 Test runs. Along with him, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi briefly steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership.However, Prasidh returned for a second spell and struck immediately, trapping Shahidi lbw to push Afghanistan deeper into trouble. Just in front of the stumps, Suthar picked up his third wicket when Afsar Zazai closed the bat face too soon and offered a simple return.Suthar finished the day with excellent figures of 3/21 from 15.5 overs while Prasidh provided excellent support with 2/27. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav also maintained relentless pressure and ensured that Afghanistan never found any rhythm.Earlier, Mohammad Saleem Safi was the outstanding artist for the visitors. Temper took 6/140, his first wickets in international cricket since four matches without a wicket, and finished with the match ball raised in appreciation after dismissing six Indian batsmen.Afghanistan were 113/5 in 39.5 overs, still trailing by 451 runs. With half their side already back in the pavilion and a big one looming after that, the visitors face an uphill battle. India, meanwhile, will remain firmly in control and look to finish the job quickly on day three.Brief Score: India 564/8 Dec by 451 runs.