The Journey of Afghanistan Cricket: How they changed their fate in the game

Test debut against India

The Afghanistan team with the Indian team at the end of the Test Match

Afghanistan played their first ever Test match on the 14th of June, 2018 against India at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore after being granted the status of a Test playing nation by the ICC on the 22nd of June,2017. The Afghanistan team was led by the experienced Asghar Afghan with the presence of stars like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The toss was won by the Indians who decided to bat first.

The Indian openers started off fiercely hitting the Afghanistan bowlers all over the park with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman going for over 4 an over. Shikhar Dhawan scored a quick fire 107 off 96 balls before being dismissed by Yamin Ahmadzai. Dhawan's wicket was the first wicket for Afghanistan in Test Cricket. Murali Vijay’s century and contributions from KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya took India to a score of 474 at the end of 104.5 overs. For Afghanistan, Ahamadzai picked up 3 wickets whereas Wafadar and Rashid ended with 2 wickets each.

The first innings of Afghanistan’s batting came to an end with them getting all out for 109 runs with Ashwin picking up 4 wickets. India imposed the follow-on as Afghanistan went out to bat again. This time around too, Afghanistan got skittled out for 103 runs exposing their inexperience.

Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers for India as he picked up 4 wickets. The Man of the Match award was given to Shikhar Dhawan for his century which laid the foundation for India’s thumping win by an innings and 262 runs.