IND v AFG: Yamin Ahmadzai revealed the mood in the Afghan camp prior to the match

The Afghanistan team was crowned with the Test status last year and today stepped on to the cricket pitch for the maiden time in Whites. Their opponent was India, de facto the number one ranked team in Tests. The task was never going to be a cakewalk and it panned out exactly that way in the first session. Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay piled on the agony for them with a stand of 168 runs.

However, the visitors erupted when right-arm pacer Yamin Ahmadzai became the first bowler from the war-stricken nation to pick a Test wicket. He achieved the feat when he dismissed Shikhar Dhawan. The left-handed batsman went for a drive through the covers but got a thick outside edge. Mohammad Nabi seemed to make a meal of it but managed to parry the ball to Rahmat Shah who made no mistake.

“I cannot express it in words”- Yamin

The speedster mentioned the match as a memorable one while vowing to perform well in the next days. “Well, this was a dream which has come true for our nation. It was enjoyable, but a little stressful. Nevertheless, playing against India, the number one team, was a good experience. Still, there are four days to go and we will try to do our best,” Ahmadzai was quoted as saying by the media.

“Getting a Test cap is the most important thing in cricketers’ lives. It is same for me as well. I cannot express it in words. There was excitement when we walked onto the field but also were nervous,” the 25-year old fast-bowler added while putting forth the emotions etched to the feeling of receiving the Test cap for the maiden occasion.

The team did reasonably well in the first day’s play. After Vijay and Dhawan’s performance, the Afghans struck back with some late blows before the close of play. Rashid Khan, who was pretty mediocre in the earlier part of the day, got his rhythm back later. India ended the day with a score of 347/6 and Asghar Stanikzai’s men would be pretty satisfied with how things panned out.

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