India Dominate Afghanistan Following Rahul and Gill Centuries

India have established a commanding foundation for a substantial first-innings total during the opening day of the one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Chandigarh. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the hosts concluded the first day’s play at a formidable 368 for the loss of three wickets. The innings was anchored by centuries from opening batsman Lokesh Rahul and the captain, Shubman Gill.

Opening Exchanges and Top-Order Stability

The Indian innings commenced with an early setback when the left-handed opening batsman, Yashasvi Jaiswal, failed to settle at the crease. Jaiswal was dismissed during the morning session, having scored 24 runs off 32 deliveries. Following his departure, Lokesh Rahul took control of the innings, remaining at the crease until the third session of the day.

Rahul constructed a crucial second-wicket partnership of 139 runs alongside Sai Sudharsan. Batting at number three, Sudharsan contributed a fluent 81 runs from 104 deliveries before edging a delivery from Mohammad Saleem to the wicketkeeper. Rahul continued to anchor the innings and successfully reached his century. However, immediately after reaching the three-figure mark, he was dismissed for exactly 100 runs, caught by Rahmanullah Gurbaz off the bowling of Ziaur Rahman.

Captain’s Innings and Statistical Milestones

Following the dismissal of Rahul, captain Shubman Gill unified the middle order alongside Rishabh Pant. The duo remained unseparated for the remainder of the day’s play, compiling an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 121 runs.

During this period, Gill secured his century, concluding the day unbeaten on 103 runs. This achievement marks his sixth Test century as an international captain. With this milestone, Gill now ranks fifth on the all-time list of centuries scored by Indian captains. Virat Kohli holds the absolute record in this category, having scored 20 Test centuries whilst leading the national side. Supporting the captain, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant reached his half-century, remaining undefeated on 50 runs at stumps.

Match Summary at Stumps (Day 1)

The following table outlines the statistical breakdown of the opening day of the Chandigarh Test match:

Among the Afghan bowling attack, Mohammad Saleem was the most successful performer, claiming two wickets for 67 runs, whilst Ziaur Rahman claimed the remaining wicket to fall on the opening day.