Christchurch, 01 November (H.S.): New Zealand A staged a strong recovery on Sunday, the second day of the second unofficial Test, powered by a century from Matthew Boyle and a half-century from Dean Foxcroft. At stumps, New Zealand A had reached 218 for three, still trailing India A’s first-innings total by 128 runs.

Matthew Boyle remained unbeaten on 107 off 148 balls, including 14 fours and a six, while Dean Foxcroft was not out on 80 from 180 deliveries. The pair have put together an unbroken 205-run partnership for the fourth wicket, rescuing New Zealand A from early setbacks and putting the side in a strong position.

Earlier, Dhruv Jurel scored a century for India A in the first innings. He was dismissed for 105 off 171 balls, hitting 11 fours and three sixes. Akash Deep also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 68 runs. Their efforts helped India A post a total of 346. Sai Sudharsan contributed 41 runs, while Devdutt Padikkal scored 80.

In reply to India A’s total of 346, New Zealand A got off to a poor start. Captain Rhys Mariu was dismissed for four, Curtis Heaphy also scored four, and Tim Robinson departed for three. However, Boyle and Foxcroft steadied the innings with patient batting, guiding their team back into contention and putting it in a commanding position.

At the close of play on the second day, New Zealand A were 128 runs behind India A’s first-innings total, with seven wickets still in hand. The third day is therefore expected to be crucial in determining the course of the match.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar