Lincoln, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missed a double century after scoring a superb 199 as India A staged a remarkable recovery to take command of the opening unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Monday.
India A reached 488/8 at stumps on Day 3, extending their overall lead to 284 runs after New Zealand A had scored 317 in their first innings. The visitors, who were bowled out for 113 in their first innings, now have two wickets remaining and are firmly positioned to push for victory.
Resuming at 56, Padikkal built on his overnight progress alongside Sai Sudharsan, who contributed a valuable 91. The pair put the hosts’ bowling attack under sustained pressure, helping India A overcome the deficit and move into the lead.
Padikkal brought up his 12th first-class century with a six off Jayden Lennox before continuing his aggressive innings. Sudharsan’s dismissal and the departure of captain Dhruv Jurel briefly offered New Zealand A an opportunity to regain control.
However, Yash Rathod joined Padikkal and counterattacked, striking Kristian Clarke for two boundaries and a six. Rathod reached his half-century off 54 balls and eventually scored 66 before falling after Tea.
Padikkal’s outstanding innings ended controversially when he was adjudged caught behind down the leg side on 199. The left-hander appeared to question the decision, with his dismissal denying him a deserved double century.
India A’s lower order ensured the momentum remained with the visitors. Anshul Kamboj scored 22, while Washington Sundar and Auqib Nabi added 69 runs. Nabi made 38 before being dismissed, while Sundar remained unbeaten on 51 when fading light brought an early close to the day’s play.
Zak Gibson was New Zealand A’s most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 58 runs. The hosts were also without injured seamer Simon Keene, who had claimed five wickets in India’s first innings.
With a substantial lead and two wickets in hand, India A will look to set up a declaration and give their bowlers sufficient time to secure victory on the final day.
Brief Scores: India A 113 and 488/8 (Devdutt Padikkal 199, Sai Sudharsan 91, Yash Rathod 66, Washington Sundar 51*; Zak Gibson 2/58) lead New Zealand A 317 (Rhys Mariu 76, Dean Foxcroft 51; Anshul Kamboj 3/52, Auqib Nabi 3/69) by 284 runs.
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