Historic Test: Afghan bowlers fight back after Vijay, Dhawan tons

Indian openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan struck blistering centuries as India reached 347-6 at stumps on the rain-curtailed opening day of the one-off historic Test match against Afghanistan here at the M. Chinnawamy Stadium here on Thursday.

Electing to bat first, the hosts made a perfect start to their innings as openers Vijay and Dhawan shared a huge 168-run stand for the first wicket.

While Vijay smashed 105 runs off 153 balls including 15 boundaries and one six, Dhawan hit 107-run knock off 96 balls--comprising of 19 boundaries and three sixes.

Following Vijay's dismissal, Dhawan then shared a 112-run partnership with first drop KL Rahul (54) to 280-2.

Cheteshwar Pujara also contributed with 35 runs before Afghanistan bowlers fight back to reduce India to 347-6 at the end of the day's play.

In the final session, India lost five wickets for 99 runs in 32 overs.

Yamin Ahmadzai bagged two wickets while Wafadar and spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman also chipped in with a wicket.

Afghanistan, who have fast established themselves as a force to reckon with in the shorter formats, have become the 12th side to feature in men's Test cricket after Ireland debuted against Pakistan last month.

On a related note, India will aim to further strengthen their first innings when Hardik Pandya (ten) and Ravichandran Ashwin (seven) resume the innings on Friday.