Saleem stands tall in India’s run fest

As India piled up 564 for 8 declared in Mullanpur, Afghanistan spent two days searching for answers. Yet amid the relentless scoring, Mohammad Saleem produced a standout performance, taking six of the eight wickets to fall and finishing with 6 for 140 in only his second Test. The 23‑year‑old, playing his first international match since debuting in 2024, thrived on a surface offering little for seamers and in conditions that demanded stamina as much as skill.

Saleem’s success came from unwavering discipline rather than pace, repeatedly hitting probing areas and trusting the seam to create just enough deviation. Head coach Richard Pybus praised his consistency, calling it “super consistent” Test‑level bowling. India’s Washington Sundar echoed the sentiment, highlighting the difficulty of facing a bowler capable of striking the seam for long spells in extreme heat.

On a day dominated by India’s batters, Saleem ensured Afghanistan still had a story worth telling.