Rahul, Sudharsan half-centuries power Indian cricketers to 209-2 at tea v Afghanistan
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India's Sai Sudharsan (centre) and K.L. Rahul run between the wickets as Afghanistan's Ziaur Rahman watches during the first day of their only Test cricket match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on the outskirts of Chandigarh on June 6, 2026.
PHOTO: AFP
K.L. Rahul and Sai Sudharsan both scored half-centuries, as India reached 209-2 at tea on the opening day of their one-off cricket test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh on June 6.
The hosts won the toss and opted to bat, before losing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the morning session.
Rahul, who rode a stroke of luck earlier on the opening day, appeared much more at ease after lunch and coasted to his 21st half-century in the longest format, notching an unbeaten 81 off 137 balls.
Sudharsan, who broke into the test team in 2025, brought up his third test 50 just two overs later in style with back-to-back boundaries.
The pair combined for a partnership of 139 runs before Mohammad Saleem got his second wicket of the day, getting Sudharsan out for 81 with a delivery that induced an edge behind.
India captain Shubman Gill was batting on 20 alongside Rahul at the end of the second session. REUTERS
