Anshul Kamboj Takes Three as New Zealand A Build 117-Run Lead Over India A in Lincoln

New Zealand A tightened their grip on the first unofficial Test against India A at Lincoln, reaching 228/7 in 69.2 overs by the close of the second day's play to extend their overall lead to 117 runs.

Captain Rhys Mariu anchored the hosts' reply with a patient 76 off 137 balls, while Curtis Heaphy contributed 44 from 134 deliveries. Dean Foxcroft remained unbeaten on 33 at stumps, with Mitchell Hay chipping in with 24 and Kristian Clarke set to resume on one.

Kamboj Leads India A's Bowling Effort

Anshul Kamboj was the pick of India A's attack, finishing the day with three wickets for 32 runs. Auqib Nabi claimed two wickets, while Akash Deep and Mukesh Choudhary picked up one each as the visitors worked their way through a New Zealand A middle order that repeatedly rebuilt.

Mariu's innings was given an early lifeline when Yashasvi Jaiswal put down a catch at third slip off Akash Deep. The opener made the most of the reprieve, combining with Heaphy for a century partnership that put the hosts firmly in control before Mukesh Choudhary trapped Mariu leg before wicket.

Nabi Strikes Twice in Two Balls to End the Day

India A found late hope when Auqib Nabi removed night watchman Jayden Lennox and then trapped Tim Robinson leg before wicket with the very next delivery, leaving the seamer on the brink of a hat-trick. The end of the day's play denied him an immediate chance to complete it, with the opportunity now carrying over to the second morning.

Day One Collapse Sets the Tone

The hosts had won the toss and chosen to field on a green pitch offering considerable help to the seamers, and the decision paid off handsomely. Simon Keene led the attack with five wickets for 24 runs, while Zak Gibson claimed three for 29 as India A were bundled out for just 113 in 39.2 overs.

India A's top order was unable to cope with the conditions. KL Rahul was dismissed for a duck chasing a delivery outside off stump, and Yashasvi Jaiswal made 17 before edging a catch to first slip. Keene struck twice in quick succession to remove Sai Sudharsan for a duck and captain Dhruv Jurel for one, leaving the visitors reeling early.

Devdutt Padikkal offered the only meaningful resistance at No. 3 with 32 runs, but he fell to the first ball he faced after lunch, leaving India A at 56/5. Washington Sundar was dismissed without scoring as wickets continued to tumble, and the lower order — including Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi and Akash Deep — failed to provide substantial support, with the side slipping to 81/9.

Rathod's Counterattack Lifts India A Past 100

Yash Rathod stood firm amid the wreckage, launching a counterattack that dragged India A past the 100-run mark. The right-hander struck three sixes to finish unbeaten on 44, before Keene completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Mukesh Choudhary to end the innings.

New Zealand A closed the opening day on 135/3, holding a 22-run lead, with Heaphy unbeaten on 37 at the time. That advantage has now grown to 117 runs, with three first-innings wickets still in hand heading into Day 3.