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New Zealand A were 187/9 in their second innings while chasing a target of 313 when the umpires stopped play due to poor light. India A needed just one more wicket to win, but the conditions did not improve and the match eventually ended in a draw.
India A fight back after first-innings collapse
India A had a difficult start to the match after being bowled out for just 113 in their first innings. Yash Rathod top-scored with an unbeaten 44, while Devdutt Padikkal made 32. New Zealand A responded with 317, taking a first-innings lead of 204 runs. Captain Rhys Mariu scored 76, while Dean Foxcroft contributed 51. Kristian Clarke added 42, helping the hosts build a strong advantage. India A produced a strong response in their second innings, scoring 516 to set New Zealand A a target of 313. Padikkal was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 199 off 248 balls, including 24 fours and three sixes. He shared a 215-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan, who scored 91, to put India A back in the contest. Yash Rathod also made an important contribution with 66, while Washington Sundar scored 52. Auqib Nabi chipped in with 38, and Akash Deep remained unbeaten on 25.
Simon Keene led the New Zealand A attack with five wickets, while Zak Gibson picked up three. Padikkal missed out on a double-century by just one run after being given out caught behind. His innings, however, helped India A turn the match around after their disappointing first-innings performance.
The two teams will now turn their attention to the second unofficial Test, scheduled to begin on Saturday.