India’s Dhruv Jurel (PTI Photo)
India A tightened their grip on the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A after building a commanding 428-run lead on the second day, with Dhruv Jurel, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar scoring half-centuries on Sunday. Earlier, B Sai Sudharsan could add only 11 runs to his overnight score of 88 before Cameron Gibson bowled him. Tilak then combined with Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 25, for a 44-run partnership. Their unbeaten 114-run stand took the hosts past the 450-run mark, with Tilak striking five fours and two sixes. The fast bowler dismissed openers Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy to leave the visitors at 36/2 at stumps.
The left-hander subsequently joined forces with Washington to put India A firmly in control. Washington also found the boundary twice. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines New Zealand A had a difficult start to their reply as Prasidh Krishna made an immediate impact on his return to the side following recovery from a left hamstring injury.
Resuming their first innings at 227/2, the hosts continued to pile on the runs, reaching 464/5 before declaring after 146 overs. Jurel led the charge with a 71, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 81 and Washington finished on 50 not out. Jurel, who had resumed on 12, shared a 31-run stand with Tilak before bringing up his half-century off 75 deliveries. He eventually departed for 71 from 95 balls, an innings featuring nine fours and two sixes, after being dismissed by Cameron Paul. Dean Foxcroft was unbeaten on 10, while Zak Gibson was batting on one when play ended. New Zealand A still needed 428 runs to catch up with India’s first-innings total.
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