Mullanpur Test Stadium Awaits Historic India vs Afghanistan Clash

The search for Afghanistan second innings live score Mullanpur test brings you here because the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan begins tomorrow at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. This marks the first Test ever hosted at the venue. Fans across India and beyond will soon track every run, wicket, and partnership as Afghanistan takes on a young but formidable Indian side led by Shubman Gill.

The buildup feels electric. Local supporters in Punjab finally get red-ball international cricket on their doorstep. The June sun already beats down on the fresh black-soil pitch. Groundsmen have left it with a hint of grass to assist the quick bowlers early. That sets up fascinating contrasts once Afghanistan walks out for their second innings later in the match.

Match Context and Timeline

India and Afghanistan last met in a Test back in 2018 in Bengaluru. India won by an innings and 262 runs after Afghanistan folded for 109 and 103. Much has changed since then. Afghanistan now carries more red-ball experience. India arrives with a refreshed squad under new full-time Test captain Shubman Gill.

The match runs from June 6 to 10, 2026. Play starts daily at 9:30 AM IST. With five days allocated, both teams have time to build proper innings. Afghanistan will likely bat twice, making their second innings the critical phase where partnerships and temperament will decide whether they can push India or simply survive.

Pitch Report: Mullanpur’s Test Debut

The surface at Mullanpur looks typical of a new Indian venue. Early in the match it should offer true bounce and decent carry. Pace bowlers will find help with the new ball, especially if there is any morning moisture. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will relish the chance to attack the top order with seam movement.

As the game progresses into day three and four, the pitch will slow and begin to turn. Spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar should come into their own. For Afghanistan’s second innings, this evolution matters enormously. They may face reverse swing from the quicks combined with sharp turn from the tweakers. Their batters will need to show patience and strong defensive technique on a surface that rewards those who occupy the crease.

Probable Playing XIs

India (subject to final confirmation):

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• KL Rahul (vice-captain)
• Sai Sudharsan
• Shubman Gill (captain)
• Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
• Washington Sundar
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Harsh Dubey (in contention for debut)
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna

Afghanistan (subject to final confirmation):

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper)
• Sediqullah Atal
• Rahmat Shah
• Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
• Ikram Alikhil
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Sharafuddin Ashraf
• Qais Ahmad
• Nangyal Kharotai
• Bilal Sami
• Saleem Safi

India’s depth stands out. Even without Jasprit Bumrah, the seam attack carries genuine threat. Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack, anchored by Qais Ahmad, gives them a fighting chance if the pitch deteriorates.

What Afghanistan’s Second Innings Could Look Like

Afghanistan’s first innings will test their top order against India’s new-ball pair. If they lose early wickets, pressure mounts quickly. Their second innings often becomes the real examination.

Expect Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah to anchor. Azmatullah Omarzai offers the all-round utility that can steady the ship or counter-attack. The middle order must handle the turning ball and any reverse swing that develops. In 2018 they collapsed twice. This group has more tools, yet they still trail India significantly in red-ball experience at this level.

The key battle will unfold between Afghanistan’s spinners and India’s middle order in the first innings, then flip when Afghanistan bats again on a wearing surface. Their batters will need to rotate strike, avoid loose shots against Kuldeep’s variations, and build at least one substantial partnership to stay in the contest.

How to Follow Afghanistan Second Innings Live Score Mullanpur Test

When play begins on June 6, live scores and ball-by-ball updates will appear instantly on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and the official BCCI site. In India, Star Sports will broadcast the match. Streaming options include Disney+ Hotstar. International viewers can check their local broadcasters or official ICC platforms.

For the fastest updates, follow the official BCCI and Afghanistan Cricket Board social channels. Push notifications from trusted cricket apps deliver wickets and milestones in real time. Once Afghanistan begins their second innings, the intensity rises. Every boundary and every wicket will swing the momentum.

Atmosphere and Human Element

Walk around the Mullanpur precinct right now and you sense something special. This is not just another match. It is the ground’s first Test. Young fans who grew up watching IPL games here now get to witness five-day cricket. The stands will fill with Punjab’s passionate supporters. When the first ball is bowled and when the first Afghan batter survives a testing spell, the roar will carry across the outfield.

Gill leading India adds extra flavor. The Punjab connection runs deep. His calm presence at the crease or in the field will set the tone for the hosts. On the other side, Afghanistan’s players carry the hopes of a growing cricket nation. Their second innings could become the defining chapter if they find the grit to fight back.

Outlook

India enters as clear favorites at home with superior depth and recent red-ball momentum. Afghanistan will look to compete through disciplined bowling and resilient batting. The second innings at Mullanpur will reveal how far the visitors have come since their last Test against India eight years ago.

The pitch will play its part. Early seam movement could hurt Afghanistan’s top order. Later turn could expose any technical gaps. Yet Test cricket rewards those who adapt. Both sides will have chances to seize control.