Padikkal, Sudharsan turn the game around
India A resumed Day 3 at 56, with Padikkal batting alongside Sai Sudharsan, who was unbeaten on 39 overnight. The two left-handers put the New Zealand A bowlers under pressure with positive batting and helped India A move ahead in the match.
Sudharsan scored a valuable 91 before New Zealand A dismissed him with a short-ball plan. Padikkal continued to attack and reached his 12th first-class century by hitting Jayden Lennox for a six.
The partnership gave India A control of the game. However, Sudharsan’s dismissal and the departure of captain Dhruv Jurel briefly gave the hosts a chance to fight back.
Rathod keeps up the attack
Yash Rathod joined Padikkal and ensured that India A did not lose their momentum. He attacked Lennox and also hit Kristian Clarke for two boundaries and a six.
Rathod reached his half-century in just 54 balls, supporting Padikkal as India A extended their advantage. He eventually scored 66 before getting out after Tea.
Padikkal misses double century by one run
Padikkal’s outstanding innings came to an end at 199 in a controversial manner. He was given out caught behind down the leg-side, just one run short of a double century.
The batter appeared to question the decision, gesturing towards the umpire as he seemed to indicate that there was a gap between his bat and the ball.
His dismissal ended a superb innings that had put India A in a strong position after their difficult start to the match.
Sundar, Nabi extend India’s lead
India A’s lower order continued to add valuable runs even after Rathod’s dismissal. Anshul Kamboj scored 22, hitting four boundaries, before getting out.
Washington Sundar and Auqib Nabi then added 69 runs to push the visitors further ahead. Nabi contributed 38 before losing his wicket, while Sundar remained unbeaten on 51 when bad light brought an early end to the day’s play.
New Zealand A also missed the services of injured seamer Simon Keene, who had taken five wickets in India’s first innings. Zak Gibson was their most successful bowler on Day 3, finishing with two wickets for 58 runs.
India A in a strong position before final day
With an overall lead of 284 runs and two wickets remaining, India A are well placed to push for victory on the final day. The visitors will have to decide whether to declare overnight or add more runs before giving their bowlers enough time to dismiss New Zealand A.
