Chasing a target of 313 after India finished their second innings at a mammoth 516, New Zealand A batters found the swing and seam movement generated by Nabi (3/28 in 10 overs) too hot to handle. The Indian rocked the home side’s top-order with three quick wickets. Pacer Auqib Nabi bowled an incisive opening spell with the new ball but bad light prevented India A from recording a sensational come-from-behind win over New Zealand A in the first unofficial ‘Test’ which concluded in a draw here on Tuesday.
Jaiswal (17 and 5), and ‘A’ squad skipper Dhruv Jurel (1 and 2) to get a few runs under their belt, it was the comeback orchestrated by Devdutt Padikkal (32 and 199), after India conceded a 204-run first innings lead, that became the spectacular story of the game While the Indian team management would have wanted Test regulars Rahul (0 and 4). Padikkal’s good form would be a big takeaway for India along with Yash Rathod’s performance (44 and 66) in both the innings ahead of the two-match senior Test series starting November 19. New Zealand A: 317 and (target 313) 187/9 (Curtis Heaphy 90, Auqib Nabi 3/28, Devdutt Padikkal 2/11).
Match Drawn.
