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India vs Afghanistan, one-off Test, Day 1, Bangalore: Murali Vijay, KL Rahul cement IND’s dominance
Shikhar Dhawan scored a magnificent century while Murali Vijay neared a century as India reached a wonderful position against Afghanistan in the one-off Test in Afghanistan.
India cemented their advantage in their one-off test match against Afghanistan scoring 248 for the loss of one wicket in 45.1 overs before rains interrupted play just before tea. (IND vs AFG, 1st TEST, DAY 1, LIVE UPDATES)
Shikhar Dhawan led India with a blistering century as India dominated this session as well. His partner Murli Vijay batting at 94 and KL Rahul, promoted to number 3 ahead of Cheteshwar Pujara, was on 33.
Afghanistan struggles with the ball have multiplied with no bowler managing to control the flow of runs.
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India went into lunch at 158 with Afghanistan still chasing their first wicket. But soon after the break, Yamin Ahmadzai was on target to remove Dhawan accounting for the first Test wicket for his country. Dhawan went after a slanting ball moving away from stumps, and second slip almost made a mess before juggling and parrying it to Mohammad Nabi at first slip. But it had little effect on India as it went about their business of gathering runs at will.
Vijay who had a slow start took the scoring mantle from Dhawan allowing KL Rahul to settle as the duo added 80 runs for the second wicket. Vijay has hit 14 boundaries and a six, while Rahul has four hits to the fence in his individual score of 33 of 48 balls.
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Rashid Khan’s Test debut turned out to be a nightmare. In his 14 overs he has conceded 89 runs at an economy of 6.35, which was in seven when Dhawan was batting. Mohammad Nabi has conceded 45 runs of his eight overs, while young mystery spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman has leaked 46 off his seven overs.
The platform of 248 should give India a chance to bat Afghanistan out of the match.
