IND A vs NZ A 1st Unofficial Test: Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan return after KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal fail

Devdutt Padikkal (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan helped India A recover from a poor start with an unbeaten 96-run partnership on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Saturday.India A reached 106/2 in their second innings at stumps, trailing New Zealand A by 98 runs. Padikkal was unbeaten on 56 off 89 balls while Sudharsan scored 39 off 104 balls.This partnership brought some relief to the Indian dressing room after the visitors lost two wickets for just 10 runs. India A were bowled out for 113 in their first innings, giving New Zealand A a lead of 204 runs after the hosts had scored 317.

Jaiswal, Rahul fall cheaply

India A got off to a poor start in their second innings again with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul failing to score.Jaiswal made just five runs before Simon Keene dismissed him with a short ball. The delivery followed Jaiswal as he tried to get out of his way, hit his glove and went all the way to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay.Rahul also had a disappointment. After scoring a duck in the first innings, he managed only four runs before losing his wicket. He dragged a delivery from Fraser Sheat onto his stumps while trying to play the ball outside the off stump.With India A at 10/2, Padikkal and Sudharsan had the tough task of rebuilding the innings.

Padikkal, Sudharsan put India A back on track

Padikkal and Sudharsan showed patience and helped India A recover. The pair added 96 runs without losing another wicket, taking the team to 106/2 at the end of the day.Padikkal hit nine fours in his 89-ball knock to complete his half-century. He was lucky to get another chance during his innings but looked solid for most of his stay at the crease.Sudharsan also played an important role. He found it difficult to play some deliveries, especially when he tried to flick the ball towards leg. He was also troubled by balls that were getting away from him. However, he remained at the crease and provided good support to Padikkal.The pair scored 25 runs in the last 10 overs without losing a wicket, helping India A end the day on a better note.

Kamboj, Nabi take three wickets each

Earlier, the Indian bowlers struggled to keep New Zealand A at bay, but the hosts still managed to build a big lead.Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi took three wickets each while Akash Deep took two. Washington Sundar and Mukesh Choudhary took one wicket each.New Zealand A captain Rhys Mariu scored 76, while Dean Foxcroft scored 51 and Kristian Clarke added 42. The hosts were bowled out for 317 in 89.3 overs, taking a 204-run lead.India A ended the day at the loss of 98 runs with eight wickets in hand. Padikkal and Sudharsan will look to continue their partnership on Day 3 and help the visitors get closer to the hosts’ total.Rain was forecast for the third day and could affect the game.