Three lowest totals for Afghanistan in Test cricket ft. India’s Dominance
The Ultimate Challenge of Red-Ball Cricket for Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Over the last decade, they have produced world-class talents, defeated established cricketing powerhouses in limited-overs formats, and earned global respect with their aggressive, fearless style of play. However, Test cricket represents a completely different challenge. It is the ultimate test of temperament, technique, and mental resilience. As Afghanistan continues to find its footing in the longest format, they have faced some incredibly tough days on the field. The massive step up from white-ball cricket to the rigorous demands of the five-day game has resulted in a few tough batting displays.
Historically, Afghanistan’s batting lineup has struggled when facing experienced bowling attacks in red-ball cricket. Most notably, their biggest struggles have come against the Indian national team. In fact, Afghanistan’s three lowest scores in Test history have all occurred against India. These matches have served as a stark reminder of the massive gap in experience and the unforgiving nature of five-day cricket. Let us dive deep into the details of these three matches where the Afghan batting order collapsed under intense pressure.
Analyzing the Three Lowest Totals for Afghanistan in Test Cricket
3. 112 vs India, Mullanpur, 2026
During the one-off Test match against India in Mullanpur in 2026, Afghanistan suffered a severe batting collapse that highlighted their struggles against high-quality spin and pace. India asserted their dominance right from the start of the match, posting a colossal first-innings total of 564/8. This massive score was built on the back of brilliant centuries from opening batsman Shubman Gill and the experienced KL Rahul. Facing such a mountain of runs, the pressure on the Afghan batters was immense.
In response, Afghanistan’s batting lineup failed to cope with the relentless Indian bowling attack. After being bowled out for 152 in their first innings, they were asked to bat again but fared even worse in their second essay, collapsing for just 112 runs. Sediqullah Atal showed some resilience at the top, fighting hard to score 42 runs, while the explosive Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a quick cameo of 24. However, they received very little support from the rest of the batting order, which fell like a pack of cards.
The chief destroyer for India was Washington Sundar, who bowled with superb accuracy and picked up four crucial wickets. He was ably supported by wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and the promising debutant Manav Suthar, both of whom kept the pressure on from the other end. Consequently, India wrapped up a comprehensive victory by an innings and 300 runs, leaving Afghanistan with plenty of areas to address.
2. 109 vs India, Bengaluru, 2018
June 2018 was a historic milestone for Afghanistan cricket as they stepped onto the field in Bengaluru to play their first-ever Test match. It was an emotional and proud moment for the players and the entire nation, marking their official entry into the elite club of Test-playing nations. However, the celebrations were short-lived as the Indian team gave them a stern introduction to the realities of Test-match cricket.
After a disappointing showing in their first innings, Afghanistan was asked to follow on by the Indian captain. The second innings proved to be just as difficult as the first. The Indian bowlers, masterfully utilizing both pace and spin, kept chipping away at the wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin led the bowling department with great control and precision, making it incredibly difficult for the Afghan batters to rotate the strike or build partnerships. He was brilliantly supported by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and veteran pacer Ishant Sharma.
The lack of red-ball experience was highly evident as the wickets fell at regular intervals. Afghanistan was eventually bundled out for a mere 109 runs, resulting in a heavy defeat by an innings. While the result was disappointing, it provided invaluable exposure to the demands of the five-day game.
1. 103 vs India, Bengaluru, 2018
Afghanistan’s lowest-ever total in Test history was recorded in the very first innings of that same Bengaluru Test in 2018. After India posted a daunting first-innings total of 474 runs, the debutants were immediately put under scoreboard pressure. The transition from T20 leagues to facing a red ball moving both ways proved to be a mountain too high to climb for the visitors.
From the very beginning of their innings, the Afghan batters looked completely out of depth. Only Hashmatullah Shahidi showed the necessary temperament to withstand the Indian onslaught, scoring a fighting 36 runs. Unfortunately, he found himself isolated as partner after partner returned to the pavilion.
India’s star spinner Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers, tearing through the middle and lower order to finish with four wickets. On the other hand, fast bowler Umesh Yadav used his pace and swing to devastating effect, claiming three wickets of his own. The entire Afghanistan innings folded in just 38.4 overs for a meager 103 runs. This remains their lowest team total in Test cricket to this day, serving as an ultimate reality check of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of red-ball cricket.
Conclusion: A Steep Learning Curve for the Afghan Tigers
While these low scores paint a tough picture, they are a natural part of a country’s development in Test cricket. Even the most established Test nations struggled significantly in their early years. Facing an elite side like India in their home conditions is one of the toughest challenges in modern cricket, and these experiences will only make the Afghan players stronger. As they get more opportunities to play the longest format, Afghanistan will surely develop the patience and technique required to construct longer innings and compete with the very best.
