Devdutt Padikkal delivered a stunning performance with 199 runs to put India A in a strong position on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln. Despite falling just one run short of a double-century in controversial circumstances, his innings helped India A build a substantial lead of 284 runs.
India A resumed the day at 56 not out, while Sai Sudharsan began on 39. The pair continued their impressive partnership, scoring freely and putting pressure on the New Zealand A bowling attack.
Padikkal and Sudharsan Build a Crucial Partnership
Sudharsan reached his half-century as both batters took advantage of scoring opportunities. Padikkal accelerated the scoring rate and brought up his 12th first-class century with a six off Jayden Lennox.
Their partnership crossed 200 runs and helped India A move ahead in the match. However, New Zealand A found a breakthrough when Sudharsan edged a short delivery to a fielder behind square, ending his impressive innings of 91.
India A captain Dhruv Jurel also fell shortly after lunch for just two runs. Despite these wickets, Padikkal continued to anchor the innings alongside Yash Rathod.
Yash Rathod Supports Padikkal with an Aggressive Fifty
Padikkal and Rathod targeted Lennox before the second new ball became available, collecting boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. Padikkal reached 150 as India A strengthened its position.
Rathod then increased the pressure on the hosts by striking two fours and a six off Kristian Clarke. He brought up his half-century in just 54 balls, finishing with 66 runs.
Controversial Dismissal Ends Padikkal’s Brilliant Innings
The day’s most contentious moment came when Padikkal was dismissed for 199, just one run short of a double-century. The umpire adjudged him caught behind down the leg side, prompting Padikkal to question the decision by gesturing towards the apparent gap between his bat and the ball.
His dismissal ended a remarkable innings that had transformed India A’s position in the match.
Rathod also departed shortly after Tea, but the lower order continued to add valuable runs.
Washington Sundar Reaches an Unbeaten Fifty
Anshul Kamboj contributed four boundaries before falling for 22. Washington Sundar then combined with Auqib Nabi to build a valuable 69-run partnership.
Nabi scored 38, including three fours and two sixes, before his dismissal. Sundar remained unbeaten on 51 when poor light forced the umpires to call stumps nine minutes into the extended playing period.
India A Holds a 284-Run Lead
India A finished Day 3 at 488/8 in its second innings, taking its overall lead to 284 runs after New Zealand A scored 317 in their first innings.
The visitors will now decide whether to declare overnight or add more runs before giving themselves enough time to bowl New Zealand A out on the final day.
With the lower order contributing valuable runs and the opposition under pressure, India A has a strong opportunity to push for victory in the opening unofficial Test.
Brief Scores
- India A: 113 and 488/8
- New Zealand A: 317
- India A’s lead: 284 runs
Top performers: Devdutt Padikkal 199, Sai Sudharsan 91, Yash Rathod 66, Washington Sundar 51*; Zak Gibson 2/58.