Mohammad Saleem Shines: Afghanistan Fights Back Against India in Thrilling One-Off Test

Mohammad Saleem Leads Afghanistan’s Fightback in New Chandigarh

The atmosphere at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium was electric on Day 2 of the one-off Test match between India and Afghanistan. While India continues to maintain a strong grip on the game, the spotlight has firmly shifted to Afghanistan’s standout performer, Mohammad Saleem.

Despite India’s commanding position, the opening session of the second day saw a spirited revival from the Afghan side. Mohammad Saleem proved to be the primary disruptor, tearing through the Indian batting lineup and adding critical wickets to his tally to keep his team in the hunt.

The Impact of Mohammad Saleem

Mohammad Saleem’s precision and pace were on full display as he claimed four crucial wickets. His most significant breakthrough came when he dismissed the Indian skipper, Shubman Gill, who was caught behind for 126 runs (including 15 fours and a six).

Saleem didn’t stop there; he later bowled Dhruv Jurel (19) to secure his fourth wicket of the match, momentarily stalling India’s momentum and providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

India’s Dominance and Power Hitting

India remains in control with a formidable score of 475-6 in their first innings. The foundation of this massive total was laid by a stellar performance from the top order:

n
• Shubman Gill: Captained by example with a magnificent 126 runs.
• Lokesh Rahul: Anchored the innings with a brilliant century on Day 1.
• Rishabh Pant: Added a quick-fire 36 runs, contributing to a massive 169-run partnership with Gill for the fourth wicket.

At the break, Washington Sundar (14 not out) and debutant Manav Suthar (9) remained at the crease, looking to extend India’s lead even further.

Historical Context: Afghanistan vs. India

This encounter marks only the second Test match played between these two nations. The first meeting took place in Bengaluru, where India secured a dominant victory by an innings and 262 runs. While India looks poised for another win, the resilience shown by players like Mohammad Saleem indicates that Afghanistan is rapidly evolving on the international Test stage.

For more real-time updates on international cricket rankings and match schedules, you can visit the International Cricket Council (ICC) or follow the detailed analytics at ESPNcricinfo.

Match Summary at a Glance