Ananya Lohia , Chandigarh - Indian opener KL Rahul capitalised on a crucial reprieve to score his 12th Test century on the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh on Saturday. The right-hander reached the three-figure mark in 164 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries, but was dismissed on the very next ball by pacer Ziaur Rahman while attempting an aggressive drive.

Rahul's dismissal added another unique chapter to his career, as it marked the third occasion he was out immediately after reaching exactly 100 in Test cricket. He had previously suffered the same fate against England at Lord’s and against West Indies in Ahmedabad last year. The century could have been prevented much earlier. Batting on 16, Rahul edged a delivery from Ziaur Rahman in the 11th over, prompting a loud appeal from Afghanistan. However, with the on-field umpire unmoved and uncertainty among the bowler and wicketkeeper, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi decided against taking a review. Replays later confirmed a clear edge, leaving Afghanistan to regret the missed opportunity.

Rahul ensured the visitors paid heavily for the error. He added 41 runs for the opening wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal before stitching together a vital 139-run stand with Sai Sudharsan. After Sudharsan fell agonisingly short of a maiden Test century on 81, Rahul continued to anchor the innings and shared a 67-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill.

Although Rahul could not convert his hundred into a bigger score, his knock put India firmly in control after Afghanistan's costly decision not to review early in his innings.