Lincoln, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India A endured a disastrous start to their unofficial Test series against New Zealand A, being bowled out for just 113 on the opening day of the first match in Lincoln before the hosts moved ahead by 22 runs at stumps on Saturday.
Opting to field after winning the toss, New Zealand A capitalised on the seam-friendly conditions, with Simon Keene claiming five wickets for 24 runs and Zak Gibson taking three for 29.
India A’s top order collapsed under pressure, with KL Rahul departing for a duck after chasing a delivery outside off stump. Yashasvi Jaiswal managed only 17 before edging behind to first slip. Keene then removed Sai Sudharsan for a duck and captain Dhruv Jurel for one, leaving the visitors in deep trouble.
Devdutt Padikkal offered some resistance with 32, but his dismissal after lunch left India A at 56 for five. Washington Sundar fell without scoring, while the lower order struggled to mount a recovery.
Yash Rathod provided the innings’ most determined contribution, striking three sixes to remain unbeaten on 44. However, India A were dismissed in 39.2 overs, with Keene completing his five-wicket haul by removing Mukesh Choudhary.
New Zealand A responded steadily, with captain Rhys Mariu scoring 76 and Curtis Heaphy remaining unbeaten on 37. Mariu was eventually trapped leg before wicket by Choudhary.
Auqib Nabi briefly revived India’s hopes by dismissing night watchman Jayden Lennox and Tim Robinson off successive deliveries, leaving him one wicket short of a hat-trick.
New Zealand A closed the day at 135 for three, with Heaphy at the crease and a 22-run lead over India A.
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