Afghanistan Gift Manav Suthar The Biggest Present On-Field

Manav Suthar removes Afghanistan batter [Source: X.com]

Afghanistan’s poor decision-making with the Decision Review System (DRS) once again proved expensive during the ongoing one-off Test against India at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

Throughout the match, the visitors struggled with important review calls, and another missed opportunity handed Indian debutant Manav Suthar a memorable milestone.

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan failed to make the most of several review opportunities during India’s first innings. As a result, India remained in complete control and went on to build a massive total on the scoreboard.

India Dominate Against Aghanistan

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, India produced an outstanding batting performance. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill led the charge with brilliant centuries, laying a strong foundation for the hosts.

In addition, Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant scored valuable 81-run knocks, while Washington Sundar also contributed with a fine half-century. Consequently, India declared their first innings at a commanding 564 for 8 on the second day of the match.

Thanks to these contributions, India put Afghanistan under immense pressure right from the beginning of the contest.

Manav Suthar Makes Afghanistan Struggle In Their First Innings

In reply, Afghanistan found it difficult to cope with the Indian bowling attack. Wickets fell regularly, preventing the visitors from building any meaningful partnerships.

While Prasidh Krishna claimed three wickets, debutant spinner Manav Suthar emerged as the star performer. The young left-arm spinner displayed excellent control and extracted enough turn to trouble the Afghan batters throughout the innings.

As a result, Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for just 152 runs, leaving themselves far behind India's first-innings total.

Also Read: "India Unearthed A New Gem"- Manav Suthar's Historic Debut Leads To Fans' Outpour

Another DRS Blunder By Afghanistan

Meanwhile, one of the biggest talking points came during the 58th over of Afghanistan’s innings. Mohammad Saleem Safi, batting at number 10, faced Manav Suthar, who was searching for his sixth wicket of the innings.

Notably, Suthar delivered a full-length ball that struck Safi on the front pad. The Indian players appealed immediately, and the umpire raised his finger, giving the batter out leg-before-wicket.

At first, Safi appeared uncertain about the decision. He even had a discussion with his non-striker, Nangeyalia Kharote. For several moments, it seemed likely that he would challenge the decision through DRS.

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Jun 8, 2026, 11:03 AM

However, the review timer expired, and Safi chose not to take the review. He then began walking back to the pavilion in visible frustration.

Interestingly, television replays later revealed that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump. Therefore, the original decision would have been overturned if Afghanistan had opted for a review.

This missed review turned into a priceless moment for Manav Suthar. The wicket helped him register the best bowling figures by an Indian spinner on Test debut.

Eventually, the visitors were bowled out for 152, still trailing India by a massive 412 runs. Thereafter, India enforced the follow-on, tightening their grip on the Test.