India A dominate New Zealand A as Prasidh Krishna strikes on the return

India A tightened their grip on the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A, building a massive first innings lead of 428 runs after another commanding day with bat and ball. Dhruv Jurel, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar all hit half-centuries before Prasidh Krishna made an immediate impact on his return from injury.

The visitors ended the rain-shortened opening day at 227 for two as they rode on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s second century on the tour. Jaiswal followed up his unbeaten 155 in the previous match with 102, while B Sai Sudharsan was unbeaten on 77. The pair put on 175 for the opening wicket, giving India A a strong platform.

Sudharsan continued on Sunday, adding 11 runs to his overnight score before being bowled by Zak Gibson for 88. Jurel then took over and scored 71 off 95 deliveries, with nine fours and two sixes. He brought up his half-century off 75 balls before Cameron Paul ended his stay.

Tilak, playing as a back-up option in Rishabh Pant’s absence, added 44 runs with Ravindra Jadeja making 25. After Jadeja’s dismissal, Tilak was joined by Washington and the pair put together an unbeaten 114-run stand for the sixth wicket to take India A past the 450-run mark.

Tilak remained unbeaten on 81 off 131 balls while Washington made 50 off 107 deliveries. India A declared at 464 for five after 146 overs, stretching their lead to a substantial 428 runs.

PRASIDH COUNTS HIS RETURN

The focus then shifted to India’s pace attack, with Prasidh returning after recovering from a left hamstring injury. The fast bowler struck twice in his opening spell, dismissing Rhys Maria and Curtis Heaphy to leave New Zealand A struggling at 36 for two.

Jasprit Bumrah, who is also featuring in India A’s final match as part of his preparation for the upcoming Test series, bowled a clean spell of 0/11. At stumps, Dean Foxcroft was unbeaten on 10 with Zak Gibson on one, with New Zealand A still 428 runs behind.

The first two matches of the series ended in draws but India A are now firmly in control of the final match.

– The end