Lincoln, October 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Devdutt Padikkal and B Sai Sudharsan mounted a determined fightback to keep India A in contention against New Zealand A in the opening unofficial Test, but the visitors remained 98 runs behind at stumps on the second day on Sunday after another disappointing outing for KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
After being bowled out for 113 in their first innings, India A conceded 317 as New Zealand A established a commanding 204-run lead. The visitors finished the day at 106 for two in their second innings, with Padikkal unbeaten on 56 and Sudharsan on 39. The pair shared an unbroken 96-run partnership for the third wicket to revive India A’s hopes.
Their resistance came after the early dismissals of Rahul and Jaiswal, two senior batters expected to play important roles in India’s upcoming Test assignments.
Rahul managed just four runs before being dismissed by a delivery that deflected off his inside edge onto the stumps. Jaiswal followed after scoring five, leaving India A struggling at 10 for two.
Both batters had disappointed in the first innings as well. Jaiswal scored 17, while Rahul failed to open his account. Their returns have raised questions about their preparations ahead of India’s upcoming Test assignments, scheduled to begin in the third week of November.
Padikkal and Sudharsan subsequently displayed greater composure against the New Zealand A attack. Padikkal received an early reprieve when he was dropped at second slip off Kristian Clarke, but he made the most of the opportunity to reach an unbeaten half-century.
Sudharsan also showed patience at the crease, remaining unbeaten after facing 104 deliveries as the pair steadied the innings and prevented further damage before stumps.
Earlier, New Zealand A strengthened their position after resuming at 135 for three. India A pacer Anshul Kamboj struck repeatedly, taking three wickets to reduce the hosts to 218 for seven.
However, Dean Foxcroft contributed a valuable 51 before being dismissed by Washington Sundar, while Clarke’s aggressive 42 helped New Zealand A move towards the 300-run mark. Clarke attacked the pace bowlers and added useful runs alongside Zak Gibson before Akash Deep bowled him to bring the innings to a close.
Kamboj and Auqib Nabi claimed three wickets each for India A. Simon Keene and Fraser Sheat took one wicket apiece during India A’s second innings.
New Zealand A also benefited from 46 extras conceded by India A, further adding to the visitors’ difficulties.
India A will look to Padikkal and Sudharsan to continue their partnership on the third day and reduce the deficit. A substantial stand will be crucial if the visitors are to challenge New Zealand A and give their bowlers a realistic opportunity to influence the match.
Brief Scores: India A 113 and 106/2 in 36 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 56 not out, B Sai Sudharsan 39 not out; Simon Keene 1-19, Fraser Sheat 1-26) trail New Zealand A 317 (Rhys Mariu 76, Dean Foxcroft 51; Anshul Kamboj 3-52, Auqib Nabi 3-69) by 98 runs.
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