Afghanistan struggle at 128/6, still trail India by 436 runs in New Chandigarh

Morning proceedings on Day 3 of the one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium followed a familiar pattern, as Prasidh Krishna removed Azmatullah Omarzai for a 10-ball duck to extend Afghanistan's misery.

The visitors resumed their first innings at 113/5, still needing 252 runs just to avoid the follow-on. That target now looks distant.

Early Breakthrough Sets Tone

Krishna needed only four deliveries into the third day's play to make an impact. Omarzai, who had looked tentative overnight, failed to open his account before edging one to the slips. The seamer's maiden over to start the morning put Afghanistan immediately on the back foot.

According to initial reports from the venue, the dressing room气氛 grew tense as the follow-on danger inched closer.

Debutant Suthar's Memorable Outing

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, making his Test debut for India, delivered figures that his family back in Sri Ganganagar would have regretted missing. His parents reportedly travelled back home before witnessing his three-wicket haul on Day 2 due to superstition.

Suthar removed Abdul Malik on the fourth ball of his very first over, then sent back Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai to finish with 3 for 21. The young spinner has looked increasingly comfortable on a surface offering gradual turn.

Rahmat Shah Breaks New Ground

Amid the collapse, Rahmat Shah quietly authored a piece of history. The experienced batter reached his half-century in 100 deliveries, becoming the first Afghanistan batsman to score a Test fifty against India.

Sources within the Afghan camp indicated that Shah's knock has brought some stability after top-order failures. He remains unbeaten on 53 off 112 balls at the lunch interval, having watched partners fall around him.

India's Batting Domination Sets Up Contest

The context of Afghanistan's struggles traces back to India's massive first innings declaration at 564/8. Captain Shubman Gill led with 126, while KL Rahul converted his start into a hundred. Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan contributed identical 81-run knocks.

This represents India's highest Test total against Afghanistan. Teenage pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed 6 wickets on debut, a silver lining for the visitors.

For Afghanistan to avoid an innings defeat, Shah must find support from the lower order. The pitch remains true, but the pressure of history is telling.

What Follows Next

The next session could decide the match. Afghanistan trail by 436 runs with four wickets standing. Another wicket before lunch would likely trigger thoughts of the follow-on.

Local authorities confirmed arrangements remain in place for a full five days, though few expect this contest to stretch that far.