India vs Afghanistan: Day 1 Report
What's the story
The historic Test between India and Afghanistan lived up to its expectations. After a brilliant start by India, Afghanistan pegged hosts back in the closing stages of the first day's play. At one point, India were completely dominating the proceedings as Indian openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay slammed tons. However, the hosts ended the day at 347/6. Here's our report.
Class
Dhawan, Vijay impress with hundreds
Indian openers Dhawan and Vijay slammed 107 and 105 respectively to command the headlines on the first day. The duo added 168 runs for the first wicket in just 28.4 overs. Dhawan was in an attacking mode and became the first Indian to hit a hundred in the first session of Day 1. Vijay took his time and got to his 12th Test ton.
Brilliance
Stat attack- Dhawan raises the bar
Dhawan notched his 7th Test hundred in his 30th match. He is the first Indian to score 100+ runs before lunch on Day 1. He overcame Sehwag's record of 99. He became the sixth player to achieve this feat. This was the 3rd time when Dhawan scored 100+ runs in a session. Only Sir Donald Bradman (6) has done it more number of times.
Failure
Rahane fails yet again, Rahul grabs his chance
It could be a fight between Rahane and Rahul to seal a spot in XI when India face England in August. Rahane hasn't enjoyed the best of form in Tests, in recent past, and his 45-ball 10 was a highlight of another innings which looked scratchy. Rahul, on the other hand, hit a fifty and could stake a claim against England.
Coming back
Afghans hit back strongly after being plundered
Full marks to Afghanistan for their never-say-die attitude. They were looking at a mountain when Dhawan and Vijay attacked them, but they made their way back. From 280/2, India lost four wickets for just 67 runs. Rashid Khan started poorly, but picked the key wicket of Rahane. The player of the day for Afghanistan was Yamin Ahmadzai. He picked 2/32 in 13 overs.