New Chandigarh

India tightened their hold on the one-off Test against Afghanistan after enforcing the follow-on, courtesy of a brilliant six-wicket haul by debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar during the morning session on Day 3.

At lunch, Afghanistan had reached 18 without loss in their second innings, with Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik showing positive intent at the crease. Despite the aggressive start, the visitors remained 394 runs behind India.

Beginning the day at 113 for 5, Afghanistan struggled to build on their overnight position as India's bowlers wrapped up the innings for 152 in 58.4 overs. Prasidh Krishna struck early, removing Azmatullah Omarzai before the batter could add to his overnight tally.

The remainder of the session belonged to Suthar, who delivered an exceptional performance in his maiden Test appearance. The 23-year-old spinner first dismissed Sharafuddin Ashraf for 11 before ending the resistance of Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan's highest scorer, who made 60 from 135 deliveries.

Suthar soon completed a memorable five-wicket haul and continued his impressive spell by trapping Mohammad Saleem Safi leg-before. He finished with remarkable figures of 6 for 33 from 22 overs. Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, while Washington Sundar claimed the final scalp of Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.

The outstanding bowling effort handed India a massive first-innings lead of 412 runs, prompting captain Shubman Gill to ask Afghanistan to bat again.

Suthar's 6 for 33 now stands as the second-best bowling performance by an Indian on Test debut, behind Narendra Hirwani's iconic 8 for 61 against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988. He also became the 10th Indian bowler—and the seventh Indian spinner—to register a five-wicket haul in his first Test match.

The Rajasthan all-rounder had earned his opportunity through consistent domestic performances. In 29 first-class matches, he has picked up 129 wickets at an average of 25.76 while contributing 1,026 runs with the bat. His recent achievements include an eight-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy and an impressive outing against Australia A.

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With Afghanistan facing a daunting deficit and India firmly in control, the hosts will aim to strike early after lunch and push for a comprehensive victory within four days.