Christchurch, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod struck unbeaten centuries to guide India A to a draw against New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test, producing a commanding 247-run partnership after an early collapse threatened to derail the visitors’ innings.
Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 155, while Rathod completed his 11th first-class century and finished on 100 not out as India A reached 282/2 in their second innings on the final day. The match was called off shortly after Tea, four deliveries after Rathod reached his hundred.
India A had resumed under pressure after rain delayed the start of play. Sai Sudharsan fell in the opening over, caught at leg gully off Jarrod McKay, before Brett Randell bowled Devdutt Padikkal for a first-ball duck. The visitors were reduced to 35/2, having already conceded a 78-run first-innings lead.
Jaiswal then took charge, recovering from a first-innings duck with a composed innings featuring calculated aggression. He brought up his century off 119 deliveries and finished with 15 fours and five sixes, making effective use of his feet against the spinners.
Rathod provided steady support, moving past his half-century off 63 balls before completing his century after the interval. The pair not only wiped out New Zealand A’s first-innings advantage but also ensured there was no chance of a late contest.
Jaiswal briefly underwent a concussion assessment after being struck on the helmet by a McKay bouncer but resumed batting.
New Zealand A had earlier posted 424 in reply to India A’s 346, securing a 78-run lead. Matthew Boyle scored 110 and Dean Foxcroft made 93. Mukesh Kumar led India’s bowling effort with five wickets for 87 runs, while Mohammed Siraj claimed four for 118. Dhruv Jurel had scored 105 in India’s first innings.
Brief Scores: India A 346 and 282/2 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 155*, Yash Rathod 100*; Brett Randell 1/62, Jarrod McKay 1/35) drew with New Zealand A 424 (Matthew Boyle 110, Dean Foxcroft 93; Mukesh Kumar 5/87, Mohammed Siraj 4/118).
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