Gill, Rahul centuries lead dominant India to 368-3 on Day 1 of one-off test against Afghanistan

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NEW CHANDIGARH, India (AP) — Skipper Shubman Gill and Lokesh Rahul scored centuries as India dominated Day 1 of the one-off test against Afghanistan by amassing 368-3 on Saturday.

Gill was unbeaten on 103 off 143 balls, while Rahul hit 100 in 165 deliveries after the home team had won the toss at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, which became the 31st test venue in India.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (24) and Rahul put on 41 for the first wicket before the former was caught behind off Mohammad Saleem.

Rahul gained a life when his edge was unseen by the umpire and Afghanistan chose not to review. He went on to score his 12th test hundred before being caught at extra cover off Ziaur Rahman.

Rahul, who hit 11 fours, and Sai Sudharsan put on 139 for the second wicket.

Sudharsan struck 81 off 104 balls, including 13 fours, before falling to Saleem before tea. Gill and Rishabh Pant then added 121 off 148 balls.

Gill's century was chanceless and included 11 fours and a six, while Pant hit three sixes in his unbeaten 50.

It is only the second test between the teams. Previously they met in 2018, when India hosted Afghanistan’s inaugural test in Bengaluru and the home side won by an innings and 262 runs.

Overall, it is the 13th test for Afghanistan. No points will go toward the World Test Championship.

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