Devdutt Padikkal (Image credit: X)
The partnership brought some relief to the Indian dressing room after the visitors lost two wickets for just 10 runs. India A had been bowled out for 113 in their first innings, giving New Zealand A a 204-run lead after the hosts scored 317. India A got off to another poor start in their second innings as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul failed to score big.
India A reached 106/2 in their second innings at stumps, trailing New Zealand A by 98 runs. Padikkal was unbeaten on 56 off 89 balls, while Sudharsan scored 39 off 104 balls.
The pair added 96 runs without losing another wicket, taking the team to 106/2 by the end of the day. The pair scored 25 runs in the last 10 overs without losing a wicket, helping India A end the day on a better note. New Zealand A captain Rhys Mariu scored 76, while Dean Foxcroft made 51 and Kristian Clarke added 42. The hosts were bowled out for 317 in 89.3 overs, taking a 204-run lead.
Padikkal and Sudharsan showed patience and helped India A recover. Sudharsan also played an important role. He found it difficult to play some deliveries, especially when trying to flick the ball towards the leg side. He was also troubled by balls that moved away from him. However, he stayed at the crease and gave Padikkal good support.