India tightened their grip on the one-off Take a look at towards Afghanistan with a dominant batting efficiency on the opening day on the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Worldwide Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. After a strong platform laid by Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul and spectacular contributions from the highest order, Rishabh Pant supplied the late fireworks that introduced the gang to its toes.
The left-handed batter arrived on the crease with India already in a commanding place, however his aggressive intent ensured the hosts completed the day on a good stronger be aware. Pant’s fearless strokeplay injected contemporary vitality into the innings and left Afghanistan’s bowlers looking for solutions.
Rishabh Pant unleashes three sixes in a single over
Pant initially adopted a cautious strategy after coming to the crease. The wicketkeeper-batter managed solely seven runs from his first 21 deliveries and appeared content material to settle in whereas assessing the circumstances. Nonetheless, every part modified in the course of the 68th over bowled by spinner Abdul Malik. Pant charged down the monitor and launched the primary supply he focused straight again over the bowler’s head for a large six. The aggressive stroke instantly put strain on Malik, who struggled to regain management of the over.
Just a few deliveries later, Pant as soon as once more used his toes brilliantly, changing a full toss into one other towering six over the leg facet. Sensing the bowler’s discomfort, the Indian star continued his assault. Malik then dropped one quick, and Pant rocked again earlier than dispatching it deep into the stands over mid-wicket for his third six of the over. To make issues worse for Afghanistan, Malik additionally overstepped twice in the course of the over, together with one event when a loud caught-behind attraction towards Pant was rendered irrelevant after the no-ball siren sounded.
Right here’s the video:
Into the stands… thrice in a single over! 🚀
Classic Rishabh Pant on show 👊
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— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026
Additionally READ: Fans applaud KL Rahul’s gritty century against Afghanistan on Day 1 of one-off Test
India dominate Day 1 towards Afghanistan
Earlier within the day, Rahul anchored the innings with a composed century, registering his twelfth Take a look at hundred. The opener made precisely 100 earlier than being dismissed instantly after reaching the milestone. His innings featured essential partnerships with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill, placing India in a commanding place.
Sudharsan narrowly missed out on a maiden Take a look at century after falling for 81, whereas Gill anchored the innings with a well-crafted 103 from 143 deliveries, reaching his hundred with 11 fours and a six. Pant reached his nineteenth Take a look at half-century and remained unbeaten at stumps. On the finish of Day 1, India stood firmly in management at 368/3, with Pant and the decrease center order set to proceed the assault when play resumes on Day 2.
Additionally READ: Fans go crazy as Shubman Gill slams a magnificent century to power India into a dominant position versus Afghanistan on Day 1 of Mullanpur Test
