Lincoln, 07 November (H.S.): Powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal's second successive century and an unbeaten half-century from Sai Sudharsan, India A finished the opening day of the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A in a commanding position. Play was called off early due to rain at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval on Saturday, with India A reaching 227 for two in 69.3 overs.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, India A got off to an excellent start, courtesy of a superb opening partnership between Jaiswal and Sudharsan. The duo added 175 runs for the first wicket, laying a solid foundation for the visitors.

Jaiswal scored 102 off 138 deliveries, striking 16 boundaries and two sixes. With his second consecutive century of the tour, the left-handed opener demonstrated his excellent form and growing confidence at the crease. He had also registered a hundred in the previous match.

Jaiswal's impressive innings came to an end in the 47th over when he was caught by Cameron Paul off the bowling of Danru Ferns. Following his dismissal, Devdutt Padikkal joined Sudharsan at the crease but failed to convert his start into a substantial contribution.

Padikkal managed 15 runs off 53 balls, including two boundaries, before being caught by wicketkeeper Max Chu off Jarrod McKay in the 63rd over. At that stage, India A had reached 209 runs.

At the other end, Sudharsan continued to bat with patience and composure, remaining unbeaten on 77 off 205 deliveries, with the help of 10 boundaries. Captain Dhruv Jurel provided valuable support, remaining not out on 12 off 24 balls, including two boundaries.

The pair added an unbroken 18-run partnership for the third wicket to take India A to 227 for two before rain brought an early end to the day's proceedings.

For New Zealand A, Danru Ferns and Jarrod McKay claimed one wicket apiece.

More than 20 overs of play were lost due to rain on the opening day. India A will resume their innings on the second day with Sudharsan (77 not out) and Jurel (12 not out) at the crease. The visitors will look to build on their strong start and convert it into a substantial first-innings total.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar