Picture Credit: BCCI
Devdutt Padikkal and B Sai Sudharsan steadied India A after early setbacks on the second day of the opening unofficial Test against New Zealand A on Sunday.
However, the visitors remained 98 runs behind at stumps after the hosts established a substantial first-innings advantage.
After being bowled out for 113, India A conceded 317 runs. They finished the day at 106/2 in their second innings, with Padikkal unbeaten on 56 and Sudharsan on 39.
The pair stitched together an unbroken 96-run partnership for the third wicket.
India A’s recovery followed another disappointing performance from senior batters KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are preparing for upcoming Test assignments.
Rahul departed for four after an inside edge sent the ball towards his stumps, while Jaiswal managed just five.
Their struggles continued from the first innings, when Jaiswal scored 17, and Rahul failed to open his account.
Padikkal capitalised on an early reprieve after Kristian Clarke dropped him at second slip. Sudharsan displayed patience, remaining unbeaten after facing 104 deliveries.
Earlier, Dean Foxcroft scored 51 as New Zealand A extended their lead after resuming at 135/3.
Anshul Kamboj claimed three wickets to reduce the hosts to 218/7, but Clarke’s aggressive 42 helped them approach the 300-run mark.
New Zealand A eventually reached 317, aided by 46 extras conceded by India A. Kamboj and Auqib Nabi claimed three wickets each.
India A will depend on Padikkal and Sudharsan to continue their partnership and erase the deficit on day three.
Brief scores: India A 113 and 106/2 in 36 overs (Padikkal 56*, Sudharsan 39*); New Zealand A 317. India A trail by 98 runs.
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