India continued to dominate proceedings in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur as the visitors found themselves under immense pressure during their follow-on innings. After debutant Manav Suthar’s sensational six-wicket haul helped bowl Afghanistan out for just 152 in the first innings, India enforced the follow-on and immediately put the batters under pressure once again.
While Afghanistan’s openers showed greater resistance in the second innings, the Indian bowlers kept probing relentlessly. One of the key moments of the second session came when Mohammed Siraj produced a brilliant delivery to dismiss one of the opening batters of Afghanistan and further strengthen India’s position in the match.
Mohammed Siraj traps Abdul Malik LBW with a beauty
The breakthrough arrived in the 14th over of Afghanistan’s second innings and was a reward for Siraj’s persistent accuracy throughout the spell. The Indian pacer had repeatedly troubled the batters with subtle seam movement and disciplined lines, creating multiple chances without immediate success.
Siraj finally got his reward when he bowled a scrambled-seam delivery from over the wicket that angled sharply into Abdul Malik. The left-hander attempted to flick the ball towards the leg side but was cramped for room by the angle. Unable to bring his bat down in time, Malik was struck flush on the pads right in front of the middle stump.
Umpire Richard Illingworth had little hesitation in raising his finger. Malik opted for a quick review, but the decision remained unchanged as the ball was comfortably going on to hit the stumps. The dismissal ended a patient knock of 8 runs from 40 deliveries and handed India another crucial wicket.
Siraj’s celebration reflected both relief and satisfaction after a spell in which he had consistently beaten the bat and challenged the Afghan openers. His wicket once again highlighted the value of relentless pressure in Test cricket, where persistence often brings rewards.
Here’s the video:
The breakthrough India needed! #MohammedSiraj strikes! 🎯🔥
He gets his first wicket of the match in spectacular fashion, breaking a good-looking partnership to claim the first wicket of the innings! 💪#INDvAFG | Only Test ➡️ DAY 3 | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/jzjg5vVQq5 pic.twitter.com/ED5Ib5mBL8
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 8, 2026
India seal a commanding victory
Earlier in the match, India posted a massive 564/8 declared after centuries from KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill laid the foundation for a dominant first innings total. Rishabh Pant added valuable runs in the middle order, while Washington Sundar’s unbeaten half-century provided the finishing touches.
Afghanistan struggled in reply and were bundled out for just 152 in 1st innings, with debutant Manav producing a dream performance. The left-arm spinner finished with outstanding figures of 6/33, becoming only the second Indian bowler to claim a six-wicket haul on Test debut.
Asked to bat again, Afghanistan showed greater determination in the second innings. However, India continued to chip away at the batting lineup. Sundar emerged as the chief destroyer, claiming four wickets, including the important scalp of Sediqullah Atal, who top-scored with 42. Kuldeep Yadav picked up three wickets, while Siraj and Manav took one wicket each to keep the pressure firmly on the visitors. Afghanistan were bowled out for 112, as India sealed a comprehensive victory after dominating proceedings from start to finish.
