Debutant Manav Suthar claimed a brilliant six-wicket haul as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152, with Rahmat Shah’s fighting fifty proving the only major resistance.

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Manav Suthar continued his dream Test debut with a sensational spell of spin bowling, finishing with figures of 6 for 33 to help India dismiss Afghanistan for 152 and enforce the follow-on on day three in New Chandigarh.

The left-arm spinner, who had already impressed with three wickets on the previous day, was the standout performer on a surface that offered little assistance to other bowlers. His accuracy, subtle variations and ability to extract turn made him the difference as Afghanistan’s batting lineup struggled to cope.

Rahmat Shah stood tall amid the collapse, producing a determined half-century and becoming the first Afghanistan batter to score a Test fifty against India. He absorbed pressure for more than two hours, reaching his landmark from 100 deliveries while trying to keep his side in the contest. However, with Afghanistan still far from avoiding the follow-on, Suthar eventually broke through, trapping Rahmat after he attempted an ambitious sweep shot.

Earlier in the day, Prasidh Krishna provided the breakthrough by dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai with a delivery that jagged back sharply and found the inside edge. Mohammad Siraj kept things tight, while Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav operated in tandem during the middle session.

Suthar’s spell gathered momentum as the innings progressed. He removed the injured Sharafuddin Ashraf, who struggled with movement at the crease, before adding Rahmat and Mohammad Saleem to complete his maiden five-wicket haul and eventually a memorable six-for on debut.

Washington Sundar wrapped up the innings by dismissing Ziaur Rahman, leaving Afghanistan all out for 152 and trailing by 412 runs. India immediately enforced the follow-on, underlining their complete dominance in the match.

Afghanistan’s second innings began with greater intent as openers Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik attacked from the outset. Atal particularly targeted Suthar, striking him for a six and a boundary in the opening overs. The pair guided Afghanistan to 18 without loss after four overs, but the visitors still trailed by 394 runs and faced an uphill battle to save the Test.

With a massive first-innings lead and Suthar continuing to pose a constant threat, India remain firmly on course for victory heading into the latter stages of the match.