Padikkal’s 199 and Sundar’s unbeaten 51 put India A in control

India A build their advantage after a dominant batting effort

India A strengthened their position in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A, riding a major contribution from Devdutt Padikkal and valuable support through the lower order before bad light ended play early.

Padikkal’s outstanding innings ended at 199, one run short of a double century. He was given out caught behind down the leg side in a decision that appeared to surprise him: he gestured towards the umpire as if indicating there had been a gap between bat and ball. His dismissal ended an innings that had helped India A recover from a difficult start.

Sai Sudharsan made 91 after resuming alongside Padikkal, who went on to reach his 12th first-class century with a six off Jayden Lennox. Yash Rathod added momentum with an aggressive 66, reaching his half-century in 54 balls and striking boundaries and a six during his partnership with Padikkal.

India A’s lower order kept adding runs. Anshul Kamboj scored 22, and Auqib Nabi made 38 in a 69-run stand with Washington Sundar. Sundar was unbeaten on 51 when bad light forced an early finish.

New Zealand A were without injured seamer Simon Keene, who had taken five wickets in India A’s first innings. Zak Gibson was the hosts’ leading wicket-taker in the reported passage, with two for 58. The match report’s headline also highlighted a three-wicket burst from Nabi as India A moved into a strong position.