Afsar Zazai

Afghanistan missed a crucial DRS opportunity to dismiss Rishabh Pant, who went on to score 81 runs. Replays later confirmed a clear edge on Pant's bat, a decision that proved costly for the visitors. Pant's entertaining knock was eventually ended by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.

Speaking ahead of Afghanistan's one-off Test against India in New Chandigarh, starting on Saturday, Shahidi said the team needs a more comprehensive Test schedule to continue its development.

Rishabh Pant achieved a significant milestone, becoming the third Indian wicketkeeper to play 50 Test matches. At 28, he joins legends Dhoni and Kirmani. Despite recent career challenges, Pant's Test record remains exceptional, marked by match-winning performances and a strong batting average. This achievement underscores his enduring value in the longest format of the game.

Manav Suthar enjoyed a dream Test debut against Afghanistan, claiming 6/33. The 23-year-old registered the best bowling figures in an innings on Test debut by an Indian in 38 years. It is the best since Narendra Hirwani's 8/61 against West Indies in 1988. The left-arm spinner helped bowl Afghanistan out for 152 and joined an elite list featuring Hirwani, R Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali.

Manav Suthar made a stellar Test debut, snaring three wickets on Day 2 against Afghanistan and earning praise from Sunil Gavaskar. The left-arm spinner not only impressed with his accurate bowling but also displayed remarkable composure and confidence with the bat. Suthar's promising start suggests he possesses the attributes for future Test success.

Manav Suthar received his first India Test cap on Saturday. The Rajasthan all-rounder was presented with the cap before the Afghanistan Test. Suthar is a 23-year-old left-arm spinner and lower-order batsman. He earned his call-up after strong domestic performances. This debut marks a significant step for the young cricketer.

Washington Sundar hailed debutant Manav Suthar as a special talent after the left-arm spinner's impressive all-round performance against Afghanistan. Suthar claimed 3 for 21 and scored 28, with Sundar praising his ability to generate turn, relentless effort and strong grounding in red-ball cricket.

India dominated day two of the Test against Afghanistan. Hosts declared at 564/8, with centuries from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Debutant Manav Suthar impressed with three wickets. Afghanistan ended the day at 113/5, trailing by 451 runs. Rahmat Shah reached 1,000 Test runs. India is in a strong position to win.

India took charge on Day One, posting an impressive score of 368/3 against Afghanistan, highlighted by KL Rahul and Shubman Gill's centuries and a vital 81 from Sai Sudharsan. Although the innings began with some jitters from post-IPL fatigue, the Indian top order found its rhythm, culminating in strong performances from Gill and Rishabh Pant.

KL Rahul's patient century and Sai Sudharsan's fluent 81 guided India to a strong position on Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Both batsmen successfully transitioned from T20 to Test cricket, overcoming initial rustiness and justifying the team management's faith. Their partnership laid a solid foundation for India's dominance.

Three years after catching Rana Naved-ul-Hasan's attention at Afghanistan's high-performance centre, Mohammad Saleem Safi delivered the performance of his life against India. The 23-year-old pacer claimed a maiden six-wicket haul, completing a remarkable journey from financial hardship and self-doubt to becoming Afghanistan's newest pace sensation.

Batter Darwish Rasooli and pacer Salim Safi were on Thursday picked in Afghanistan's 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Afghanistan's Hashmatullah Shahidi scored a record 246 runs, and Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett took 5 wickets in a drawn Test match in Bulawayo. Both teams set national record first innings scores, with Afghanistan posting 699 and Zimbabwe 586. Despite Bennett's impressive debut performance, rain and stability from veterans Ervine and Williams ensured the match ended without a result.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained unbeaten on 179 as Afghanistan trails Zimbabwe by 71 runs after a rain-hit fourth day of the first Test. Rahmat Shah scored 234 in a 364-run partnership with Shahidi, while rain halted play at 515/3. Both teams face slim chances of victory with more rain forecast for the final day.

Rahmat Shah's remarkable 139-run performance significantly bolstered Afghanistan's position in the second Test against Zimbabwe, finishing the third day at 291 for 7 with a lead of 205 runs. Ismat Alam supported with a solid 64. Despite early setbacks, Shah's resilience helped Afghanistan recover. Blessing Muzarabani was Zimbabwe's top bowler, taking 4 wickets for 71 runs.

Afghanistan's final 16-member squad for the one-off Test against New Zealand on September 9 in Greater Noida includes uncapped players Riaz Hassan, Shamsurrahman, and Khalil Ahmed. Rashid Khan is absent due to injury; Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman will lead the spin attack. The selection followed a 10-day preparation camp involving 19 players.

Not very often do you see spinners dominating Day One of a Test match. But, a 'heavyweight' performance by Rakheem Cornwall put West Indies in a position of strength on the opening day of their one-off Test against Afghanistan.

Ace spinner Rashid Khan was Monday named in a strong Afghanistan squad for the five-match Twenty20 international series in Ireland starting next week. The 23-year-old is a key for Afghanistan in Ireland as well as in the Asia Cup (August-September) in United Arab Emirates and Twenty20 World Cup (October-November) in Australia.