India registered the biggest victory in their Test cricket history after crushing Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in the one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
The hosts completely outplayed Afghanistan in all departments, piling up a massive 564/8 declared before bowling out the visitors for 152 in their first innings and 112 in the second to complete a record-breaking triumph.
India’s commanding total was built around superb centuries from captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Gill anchored the innings with a magnificent 186 while Rahul contributed 147 as the pair dismantled the Afghan bowling attack and laid the foundation for a huge first-innings score.
The lower order also chipped in valuable runs as India crossed the 550-run mark before declaring.
Afghanistan’s response never gathered momentum.
The visitors were bundled out for 152 in their first innings after India’s bowlers dominated from the outset. Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made an immediate impact, claiming crucial wickets and exposing Afghanistan’s vulnerability against spin.
Asked to follow on, Afghanistan fared little better in the second innings.
Indian bowlers struck regularly to dismiss the visitors for 112, sealing victory by an innings and 300 runs.
Suthar finished with an impressive match haul on debut, while India’s pace and spin combination ensured Afghanistan never threatened to challenge the hosts.
The margin of victory eclipsed India’s previous biggest Test win and ranks among the most comprehensive victories recorded in modern Test cricket.
For Afghanistan, the defeat highlighted the challenges faced by a young Test side against one of the strongest teams in world cricket. Apart from a few brief partnerships, the visitors struggled to cope with India’s batting depth and relentless bowling attack.
The victory provided India with a perfect conclusion to the one-off Test and showcased the emergence of new talent alongside established stars such as Gill and Rahul.
The match will be remembered not only for India’s dominance but also for setting a new benchmark in the country’s Test cricket history.
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