India produced one of the most impressive performances in recent Test cricket history, defeating Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in the only Test played at Mullanpur. In the end, India won by an innings and 300 runs, and that match was a good example of the gulf in experience and depth.
India had complete control of the game from the very beginning of the first day. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the hosts constructed a massive first-innings total through disciplined batting and aggressive stroke play. The Indian top order laid an excellent base before middle-order hitters took advantage of the favourable conditions to add to the runs.
The Afghan bowlers were finding it hard to contain the Indian batsmen, who were patient, cool, and aggressive throughout the innings. The partnerships among the batsmen were so good that it was difficult for Afghanistan to make a breakthrough. By the time India declared their innings, they had a huge score, and the visitors were under a lot of pressure.
Given the daunting task of responding to India’s huge total, Afghanistan found themselves in trouble early in their first innings. The Indian pace attack gained movement and bounce from the pitch, and the spinners took advantage of any assistance from the surface. Afghan players were losing their wickets at regular intervals, and the Afghan batters struggled to make meaningful partnerships.
Clinical from start to finish 👏
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 8, 2026
An unforgettable Test match in New Chandigarh ends with #TeamIndia securing their biggest ever win by an innings and 300 runs 🤍
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Au50EfVM30#INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/RfmeJWSyh2
Despite some resistance by a few players, Afghanistan’s first innings ended short of expectations. India’s bowlers kept the pressure on and forced them to make mistakes; the visitors were constantly on the defensive in their stay at the crease.
In a big first-innings deficit, Afghanistan was asked to follow on. But the second innings proved no easier for the visitors. The Indian bowling unit continued to dominate and was disciplined and accurate. The fast bowlers struck with the new ball, and the spin department tightened its grip as the innings went on.
Afghanistan tried to be more resilient in their second match, but India’s bowlers remained relentless. The visitors were unable to cope with the continuous pressure and eventually collapsed again, handing India a huge innings-and-300-run victory.
The win is one of India’s best Test performances in many years and underlines the team’s depth in all formats of the game. In batting, the team was able to produce huge totals, and the bowlers were able to take 20 wickets efficiently.
The disappointment in defeat for Afghanistan is an important lesson learned from the loss, as competing against one of the world's best Test teams will help Afghanistan in their development in Test cricket. Afghanistan has made significant progress in international cricket over the past decade, and matches against elite nations remain crucial for its growth.
Indian cricket fans will feel proud that the all-round performance was so good. In every department, every department contributed to victory, proving India’s depth and balance that has made it one of the best Test sides in the world.
The Mullanpur Test will be remembered for more than just the margin of victory but also for how India won the game from start to finish. With an innings-and-300-run victory, the hosts once again showed why they remain a powerhouse in the longest format of the game, while Afghanistan will have learned a few lessons for the future.
