New Zealand A Dominates Day One of Unofficial Test Against India A
New Zealand A takes control on the first day of the unofficial Test against India A, bowling them out for 113 runs.
Lincoln, October 24 (Daily Kiran) : In Lincoln, New Zealand A had a commanding start in the first unofficial Test against India A on October 24. The Indian team faced significant challenges, bowled out for just 113 runs as New Zealand A capitalized on a pitch favoring fast bowlers. By the end of the day, New Zealand A had established a 22-run lead in their first innings.
Winning the toss, New Zealand A opted to bowl first and made the most of the green conditions. Simon Keen was the standout performer, claiming five wickets for just 24 runs, while Jack Gibson added three more for 29 runs. The Indian batsmen struggled to cope with the pressure, with only Yash Rathod and Devdutt Padikkal showing some resistance.
KL Rahul fell without scoring, chasing a ball outside off stump. Yashasvi Jaiswal managed 17 runs before being caught in the slips. Keen quickly struck again, dismissing Sai Sudharsan (0) and captain Dhruv Jurel (1) in consecutive deliveries, leaving India A in dire straits.
Devdutt Padikkal provided a brief stabilizing presence with 32 runs but was dismissed on the first ball after lunch, leaving India A at 56 for five. The situation worsened when Washington Sundar also returned to the pavilion without scoring.
The lower order offered little resistance, and India A found themselves at 81 for nine. Anshul Kamboj (10), Akib Nabi (5), and Akash Deep all fell cheaply. However, Yash Rathod’s impressive innings of 44 not out from 49 balls helped India surpass the 100-run mark, hitting three sixes in the process. Keen completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Mukesh Chaudhary, wrapping up India’s innings in just 39.2 overs.
New Zealand A’s batsmen started cautiously, with Curtis Heffy and captain Reece Mariu facing the challenging conditions. Mariu was given a lifeline when Jaiswal dropped a catch in the slips, allowing him to continue his innings.
Together, Heffy and Mariu built a solid opening partnership of 132 runs. Heffy was eventually dismissed for 76 runs by Mukesh Chaudhary. Akib Nabi then took two wickets in consecutive deliveries, dismissing nightwatchman Jaden Lennox and Tim Robinson lbw. By day’s end, New Zealand A had scored 135 runs for the loss of three wickets, with Heffy remaining at the crease on 37.
