IND vs AFG, one-off Test: Ruthless India shine as Afghanistan sink to painful defeat

India have clinched a magnificent victory, beating Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in the one-off Test at PCA New Cricket Stadium on Monday. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav ripped through Afghanistan's batting line-up in the second innings, nabbing four and three wickets, respectively, to help India obliterate the visitors to 112 all out and seal their biggest innings win on day three.

Afghanistan had already been crippled after being bowled out for 152 in the first innings, with debutant Manav Suthar returning with the figures of 6/33. With his outstanding figures, Suthar became the 10th Indian bowler to take a five-for on his Test debut. Afghanistan had already been crippled after being bowled out for 152 in the first innings, with debutant Manav Suthar returning with the figures of 6/33. With his outstanding figures, Suthar became the 10th Indian bowler to take a five-for on debut.

India's victory looked on the cards from the moment they piled up a huge total of 564/8d in their first innings after deciding to bat. India's savage assault was led by KL Rahul (100) and Shubman Gill (126), blazing classy centuries. Handy contributions from Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant, hitting 81 each, helped India notch up an imposing total. Afghanistan, in their first innings, were wrapped up for 152 after none of their batters managed to survive India's persistent assault with the ball.

Rahmat Shah counter-attacked with a well-crafted 60; however, it was not enough to save them from a big defeat. After being asked to follow on, Afghanistan performed unexpectedly worse in their second inning, getting bowled out for 112, with most of their batters failing to register a double-digit score. They showed intent, but their awkward shot selection gave Indian bowlers an upper hand. For Afghanistan, Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 42 and 24, respectively. Now, with this historic win, India surpassed their previous record created in Rajkot against West Indies in 2018, where they had claimed the victory by an innings and 272 runs.