India tightened their grip on Afghanistan on the second day of the one-off Test in New Chandigarh, with debutant left-arm spinner Manusuther producing a brilliant spell as the hosts declared on 564/8.India’s dominance was laid by the batsmen, who piled up runs in front of the captain. Shabman Gul Washington Sundar called time for the innings shortly after completing his half-century. Sundar remained unbeaten on 52, his sixth Test fifty, while Mohammad Siraj scored 22 off 12 balls. Earlier, Gill’s 126, KL RahulK century and Sai Sudharsan and both scored 81 runs Rishabh Pant India were pushed to a mammoth total.Afghanistan’s reply got off to the worst possible start as Sattar struck in his first over in Test cricket. Abdul Malik tried an aggressive sweep against the turning ball but was only able to top-edge the backward square leg.Prasad Krishna joined the act after tea, producing a sharp nip-baker that hit Siddiqueullah Atul’s stumps. While the pacers provided the breakthroughs, it was Soother who controlled the innings with great discipline. Bowling first after first, he refused to give the batsmen any space to settle and eventually forced Rahmanullah Garbaz to an edge which was caught safely in the slips.Rahmat Shah offered resistance for Afghanistan and ended the day not out on 43 runs. He was joined by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi with a partnership of 36 runs to carry the innings forward briefly.However, Parsed returned for a second spell and struck immediately, sending Shahidi LBW to put Afghanistan in further trouble. Just before stumps, Sattar got his third wicket when Afsar Zazai closed the face of the bat too early and took an easy return catch.Sothar ended the day with impressive figures of 3/21 in 15.5 overs, while Parsed provided excellent support with 2/27. Washington Sunder and Kuldeep Yadav Also maintained constant pressure, ensuring that Afghanistan never found any rhythm.Earlier, Muhammad Salim Safi was the best actor for the guests. The pacer claimed 6/140, his first wicket in international cricket after going four wickets, and ended with the match ball raised in recognition after dismissing six Indian batsmen.At stumps, Afghanistan were 113/5 in 39.5 overs, still trailing by 451 runs. With half their team already back in the pavilion and the follow-on getting bigger, the visitors face an uphill battle. Meanwhile, India are firmly in control and will look to finish the job quickly on the third day.Brief Score: India 564/8 Dec. In 127 overs (Shubman Gill 126, KL Rahul 100, Sai Sudharsan 81, Rishabh Pant 81, Washington Sundar 52*; Muhammad Saleem Safi 6-140) lead Afghanistan to 113/5 in 39.5 overs (Rehmat Shah 43; Munsifullah 43* 3-21, Prasad Krishna 2-27). By 451 runs.
