India off to a strong start in their one-off Test against Afghanistan, reaching 96-1 by lunch Saturday. Lokesh Rahul stood firm on 37 runs, surviving a confident caught-behind appeal that went unreviewed. His partnership with Sai Sudharsan,who added 32 runs, brought 55 runs for second wicket.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was only Indian to fall, making 24 off 32 balls before being caught behind off Saleem Safi in 12th over. Earlier,India won toss,opted to bat first. Rahul and Jaiswal put together a 41-run stand over 72 balls,with Jaiswal hitting five boundaries before dismissal.
Rahul had a narrow escape in 11th over when he edged Ziaur Rahman Sharifi,but umpire didn't call for review. This is only second Test meeting between India and Afghanistan,after their 2018 clash where India won by innings and 262 runs. For Afghanistan,this is their 13th Test match, and no points will be awarded in World Test Championship standings.
India aims to recover after a tough 2-0 series loss to South Africa at home last November. Can they regain form?
