Bangalore: Indian opening pair comprising Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay stitched a 168-run partnership to punish minnows Afghanistan in the ongoing one-off test match in south Indian city of Bengaluru.

On Day 1, the number one ranked test side India won the toss and elected to bat first.

In the first session until lunch India were 158 for no loss, but lost a wicket of dangerous Dhawan soon after the lunch session.

Dhawan was caught in the slips after nicking a ball from pacer Yamin Ahmadzai. His innings of 107 in 96 balls was laced with 19 fours and three sixes.

Afterwards, M Vijay and KL Rahul forged another big partnership of 102 runs before the former was trapped plumb in front while leaving the ball without offering a shot.

He reviewed the decision but the umpire’s call prevailed.

Afghanistan medium pacer Wafadar claimed the prized scalp of Vijay.

Minutes after, India lost their key batsman KL Rahul who played on to an incoming delivery by Yamin Ahmadzai.

It was Ahmedzai’s second wicket in the match.

Currently, India are comfortably placed at 284/3 in 54 overs.