IND vs AFG: It Was Enjoyable But A Little Stressful: Yamin Ahmadzai
Credits: BCCI

Afghanistan’s first day in Test cricket was not what they would have expected. Up against world number one side India, they were given a reality check on what Test cricket is all about. The excitement of the debut Test match took the back seat when Indian openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay ripped them apart in the first session of the day.

By the time the first session ended, India were 158 for no loss with Dhawan’s 87-ball ton being the highlight of the show.

In the process, Dhawan became the first ever Indian batsman to score a century in the first session of a Test match.

Dhawan hit Rashid Khan for three boundaries to complete a half-century in 47 balls. The hundred also came off the same bowler as Dhawan hit a flowing cover drive to reach the milestone.  Overall, India hit 25 boundaries and four sixes in the first session, thus fully stamping their authority over Test cricket’s latest entrants.

Afghanistan finally heaved a sigh of relief  when Yamin Ahmadzai sent back Dhawan soon after lunch. At the end of the day, Afghanistan had something to cheer about as they managed to take 5 wickets in quick time to reduce India to 347 for 6.  Ahmadzai was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 2 for 32. While other bowlers were taken for cleaners, the pacer conceded less than 3.

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Speaking after the day’s play, he said that the beginning of the Test journey was “little stressful”.

“Well, this was a dream which has come true for our nation. It was enjoyable, but a little stressful. Nevertheless, playing against India, the number one team, was a good experience. Still there are four days to go and we will try to do our best,” Ahmadzai said at the press conference.

“Getting a Test cap is the most important thing in cricketers’ lives. It is same for me as well. I cannot express it in words. There was excitement when we walked onto the field, but also were nervous,” he added.

He further defended his teammates who just failed to contain the Indian batsmen in the first two sessions.

“Our bowlers especially Rashid was trying too much in the first session, but he bowled wicket-to-wicket on a pitch which began to grip in the last session. That is the reason why we came back strongly. Our bowlers picked five wickets,” he said.

IND vs AFG: It Was Enjoyable But A Little Stressful: Yamin Ahmadzai
Credits: BCCI

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