India tightened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan on day two in New Chandigarh, with debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar producing a superb spell after the hosts declared at 564/8.The foundation for India’s dominance was laid by the batters, who piled on the runs before captain Shubman Gill called time on the innings shortly after Washington Sundar reached his half-century. Sundar remained unbeaten on 52, registering 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 both Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant had propelled India to a formidable total.Afghanistan’s response got off to the worst possible start as Suthar struck in his very first over in Test cricket. Abdul Malik attempted an aggressive sweep against the turning ball but only managed a top-edge to backward square leg.Prasidh Krishna then joined the act after tea, producing a sharp nip-backer that crashed into Sediqullah Atal’s stumps. While the quicks provided breakthroughs, it was Suthar who controlled the innings with remarkable discipline. Bowling maiden after maiden, he denied the batters any room to settle and eventually forced Rahmanullah Gurbaz into an edge that was safely held at slip.Rahmat Shah offered resistance for Afghanistan and ended the day unbeaten on 43. In the process, he became the first Afghanistan batter to reach 1,000 Test runs. Alongside 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 before stumps, Suthar picked up his third wicket when Afsar Zazai closed the bat face too early and offered a simple return catch.Suthar finished the day with outstanding 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, ensuring Afghanistan never found any rhythm.Earlier, Mohammad Saleem Safi was the standout performer for the visitors. The pacer claimed 6/140, his first wickets in international cricket since four wicketless appearances, and finished with the match ball raised in acknowledgement after dismissing six Indian batters.At stumps, Afghanistan were 113/5 in 39.5 overs, still trailing by 451 runs. With half their side already back in the pavilion and the follow-on looming large, the visitors face an uphill battle. India, meanwhile, remain firmly in control and will look to complete the job quickly on day three.Brief Scores: India 564/8 dec. in 127 overs (Shubman Gill 126, KL Rahul 100, Sai Sudharsan 81, Rishabh Pant 81, Washington Sundar 52*; Mohammad Saleem Safi 6-140) lead Afghanistan 113/5 in 39.5 overs (Rahmat Shah 43*, Hashmatullah Shahidi 29; Manav Suthar 3-21, Prasidh Krishna 2-27) by 451 runs.
