Lincoln (New Zealand), 25 October (H.S.): Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan steadied India A’s innings with an unbeaten 96-run partnership for the third wicket on the second day of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A on Sunday. After being bowled out for 113 in their first innings, India A reached 106 for two at stumps in their second innings but remained 98 runs behind the hosts, who had posted 317 in their first innings to secure a commanding 204-run lead.

India A endured another disappointing start in their second innings, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul departing cheaply. Jaiswal managed just five runs, while Rahul was dismissed for four, leaving the visitors struggling at 10 for two. Both batters had also failed to make significant contributions in the first innings.

With the team under pressure, Padikkal and Sudharsan took responsibility, resisting the New Zealand A bowlers and rebuilding the innings through a composed partnership. The pair remained unbeaten at the close of play, adding 96 runs for the third wicket to keep India A’s hopes of a recovery alive.

Padikkal was unbeaten on 56 off 89 deliveries, while Sudharsan had scored 39 not out from 104 balls when play ended for the day.

Earlier, New Zealand A resumed their first innings on the second morning at 135 for three and went on to score 317 in 89.3 overs, establishing a 204-run lead over India A.

Captain Rhys Mariu led the hosts’ batting effort with a composed 76 off 137 deliveries, while Dean Foxcroft contributed 51 runs. Opener Curtis Heaphy scored 44, Kristian Clarke made 42, and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay added 24 to help New Zealand A build a substantial total.

Among India A’s bowlers, Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi claimed three wickets apiece. Kamboj finished with figures of three for 52, while Nabi took three wickets for 69 runs. Akash Deep picked up two wickets, while Mukesh Choudhary and Washington Sundar claimed one wicket each.

India A’s difficulties had begun in their first innings, when the visitors struggled against New Zealand A’s bowling attack and were dismissed for just 113 runs. Padikkal was the leading contributor among the specialist batters, scoring 32, while Yash Rathod remained unbeaten on 44. However, the lack of substantial support from the other batters prevented India A from building a competitive total.

New Zealand A seamer Simon Keene was particularly effective, taking five wickets to dismantle the Indian batting line-up and give the hosts a decisive advantage in the opening match of the series.

India A will look to build on Padikkal and Sudharsan’s resistance when play resumes, with the pair needing to continue their partnership to reduce the deficit and put the visitors in a stronger position in the four-day contest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar