Shubman Gill, KL Rahul centuries lead India to 368/3 on Day 1 vs Afghanistan

India asserted dominance on Day 1 of their one-off Test against Afghanistan, finishing with a formidable 368 for 3 in 85 overs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten on 103, while KL Rahul achieved his 12th Test century before being dismissed.

The strong batting display saw India capitalize on the Afghan bowling attack. Rahul's century came off 164 balls, but his departure on the very next delivery, caught by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ended a 67-run partnership with Gill. Despite this setback, Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant continued to build the score, with Pant reaching a well-timed 50.

Afghanistan's bowlers managed to take wickets, with Mohammad Saleem Safi claiming two and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi taking one. However, they struggled to contain the flow of runs throughout the day. India added 113 runs in the second session alone, further solidifying their strong position.

Earlier in the day, KL Rahul and Sai Sudharshan both reached their Test fifties. Sudharshan attacked Afghanistan's spinner Ziaur Rahman, hitting three consecutive fours. Afghanistan had a near-miss when a chance was dropped off Sudharshan's bat, leaving the team wicketless in the first half of the second session.