Dhruv Jurel, Tilak Varma shine as India A take massive lead of 428 runs against New Zealand A

Dhruv Jurel of India (PTI Photo) India A stiffened in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A after building an impressive lead of 428 runs on the second day, with Dhruv Jurel, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar scoring half-centuries on Sunday.Resuming their first innings at 227/2, the hosts continued to pile on the runs, reaching 464/5 before declaring after 146 overs. Jurel led the charge with 71 while Tilak remained unbeaten on 81 and Washington finished on 50 not out.Resuming on 12, Jurel shared a 31-run stand with Tilak before bringing up his half-century off 75 deliveries. He eventually departed for 71 off 95 balls, an innings with nine fours and two sixes, after being dismissed by Cameron Paul.Earlier, B Sai Sudharsan could only add 11 runs to his overnight score of 88 before being bowled by Cameron Gibson. Tilak then combined with Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 25, to form a 44-run partnership.The left-hander then joined forces with Washington to put India A firmly in control. Their unbeaten stand of 114 runs took the hosts past the 450-run mark, with Tilak hitting five fours and two sixes. Washington also found the line twice.New Zealand A had a tough start to their reply as Prasidh Krishna made an immediate impact on his return to the side after recovering from a left hamstring injury. The fast bowler dismissed openers Rhys Maria and Curtis Heaphy to leave the visitors at 36/2 at stumps.Dean Foxcroft was unbeaten on 10 while Zak Gibson was batting on one when the game ended. New Zealand A still needed 428 runs to catch up with India’s first innings total.