Suthar six-for rolls Afghanistan over for 152 in dominating display
A Masterclass in Spin Bowling
In a dominant performance on day three at New Chandigarh, Suthar six-for rolls Afghanistan over for 152, effectively silencing the opposition and enforcing the follow-on. While the pitch appeared to offer little for the other spinners, Manav Suthar showcased incredible control and variation, turning what was already a promising debut into a career-defining spell.
India, having declared on a mammoth 564 for 8, found themselves in a position of total control. The foundation for this lead was built on brilliant centuries from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, coupled with the persistent efforts of Mohammad Saleem, who took 6 for 140. However, the day belonged to Suthar, who finished with figures of 6 for 33.
Rahmat Shah’s Valiant Effort
Afghanistan’s resistance was headlined by Rahmat Shah for the first ninety minutes of play. As he worked toward a stoic half-century off 100 balls, it was clear that he was the only batter capable of navigating the dual threats of pace and spin. Afghanistan required 365 to avoid the follow-on, a target that always seemed distant despite Rahmat’s composure.
Ultimately, it was Suthar who broke the back of the resistance. When he bowled Rahmat around his legs during an attempted sweep, the collapse was swift. The final two wickets fell in less than two overs, bringing the innings to a close.
Tactical Precision and Pitch Conditions
The playing surface in New Chandigarh had begun to flatten out under the high temperatures of the afternoon. While teammates Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav struggled to find significant movement as the session progressed, Suthar remained a persistent threat. He maintained a consistent speed of around 90 kph, yet managed to extract sharp turn and grip, proving that accuracy remains the most lethal weapon in a bowler’s arsenal.
Key Dismissals and Umpiring Drama
The day’s play was punctuated by a series of critical dismissals. Prasidh Krishna, operating from the opposite end, utilized his height and back-of-a-length deliveries to keep the pressure mounting. His ability to jag the ball back in saw him claim the wicket of Azmatullah Omarzai, who was caught wafting at a delivery that found the inside edge of his bat.
Suthar’s dominance continued as he accounted for Sharafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Saleem. The dismissal of Saleem was particularly notable, as the batter failed to review a decision that seemed to be pitching outside leg—a point of contention that left the dugout visibly frustrated. Meanwhile, Ashraf struggled significantly with a groin injury, which limited his mobility and made him an easier target for Suthar’s flighted deliveries.
India’s Strategic Advantage
By the end of the session, Washington Sundar claimed the final wicket as Ziaur attempted a risky swipe across the line, resulting in a well-judged catch by Rishabh Pant. With Afghanistan trailing by 412 runs, the momentum is heavily skewed in favor of the hosts.
While Mohammed Siraj provided a brief burst of pace, and Kuldeep Yadav looked to find his rhythm, the story of the day remained the sheer efficiency of Manav Suthar. His ability to bowl long, testing spells allowed India to dictate the tempo of the game entirely. As Afghanistan heads out to bat for their second innings, they face an uphill battle against a motivated Indian side eager to wrap up the match.
This performance underscores the depth of talent available to India, especially when it comes to spinning options on home soil. With a lead of 412, India is well-positioned to apply further pressure as the match enters its final stages, looking to capitalize on the advantage created by Suthar’s clinical bowling display.
