Yashasvi Jaiswal returns to form with a mega hundred as India A draw New Zealand A

Yashasvi Jaiswal finally had reason to celebrate after a difficult start to India A’s tour of New Zealand. The left-handed opener smashed an aggressive hundred on the final day of the second unofficial Test in Christchurch to help India A secure a draw on Tuesday, November 3.

Jaiswal brought up his century off just 119 balls and celebrated the milestone with a loud roar after coming down the track to Dean Foxcroft and lifting the spinner over the mid-wicket boundary. It was a timely return to form for the opener, who struggled for runs on the tour, failing in each of his first three innings.

Well played Jaiswal …. #INDAvsNZA #Jaiswal (@iamajayjangirr) November 3, 2026

India A started the final day in a relatively comfortable position but lost Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal in quick succession after a late start. With the visitors under pressure in overcast conditions, Jaiswal and Yash Rathod took the lead and ensured there were no further setbacks.

The pair batted for the remainder of the forenoon, with Jaiswal attacking the New Zealand A bowlers. The hosts were also without the services of Sheat and Lennox, who were unable to bowl on the final day, making it difficult for them to build sustained pressure. Once Rathod reached his milestone, both teams agreed to shake hands, concluding the competition.

2. UNOFFICIAL TEST END IN A TIE

Unlike the opening unofficial Test, which went to the last moments before New Zealand A managed to salvage a draw after losing nine wickets in their last innings, the second match offered little chance of a result as batting conditions improved in Christchurch.

India A struggled in their first innings after Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck in the opener. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal tied the innings with the latter scoring a half-century. Dhruv Jurel then produced a hundred while Akash Deep chipped in with a fifty to help India A post a competitive total.

Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar gave the visitors a good start with the ball and reduced New Zealand A to 13 for 3 in eight overs. However, Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft turned the innings around with a 208-run partnership that kept the hosts in the contest. Siraj eventually broke the stand by dismissing both batters in the morning session of the third day.

New Zealand’s lower-order A then frustrated the Indian bowlers, securing a 78-run lead in the first innings despite Mukesh finishing with five wickets.

The third and final unofficial test between the two sides will begin in Lincoln on November 7. India A will look to take the positives from Jaiswal’s century and the performances of their senior bowlers into the final match.

– The end