United News of Bangladesh

Centuries from skipper Shubman Gill and Lokesh Rahul powered India to a commanding 368 for 3 at stumps on the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh on Saturday. Gill remained unbeaten on 103 from 143 deliveries, while Rahul struck 100 off 165 balls as India made the most of winning the toss at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, the 31st venue in India to host a Test match. India got off to a steady start with Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal adding 41 runs for the opening wicket before Jaiswal was dismissed for 24, caught behind off Mohammad Saleem. Rahul survived an early scare when an edge went unnoticed by the umpire and Afghanistan opted not to review the decision. He capitalised on the reprieve to register his 12th Test century before being caught at extra cover off Ziaur Rahman. Rahul, who struck 11 boundaries, shared a 139-run partnership for the second wicket with Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan contributed a fluent 81 off 104 balls, including 13 fours, before becoming Saleem’s second victim shortly before tea. Gill then combined with Rishabh Pant in an unbroken 121-run stand that further strengthened India's position. Gill’s century came without offering a chance and featured 11 fours and a six. Pant remained unbeaten on 50, hitting three sixes during his innings. The match marks only the second Test meeting between the two sides. Their previous encounter came in 2018 when India defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs in Bengaluru during Afghanistan’s inaugural Test match. The game is Afghanistan’s 13th Test overall and does not count towards the World Test Championship standings.