Devdutt Padikkal fifty steadies India A against New Zealand A

Devdutt Padikkal struck an unbeaten 56 off 89 balls on Day 2 to steady India A in the first four-day match against New Zealand A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln. India A ended the day on 106/2 in their second innings after 36 overs, still 98 runs behind with eight wickets in hand.

Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan, who is 39 not out off 104 balls, added an unbroken 96 for the third wicket after openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul fell cheaply for the second time in the match. India A had been 10 for 2.

The details

Padikkal hit nine boundaries in his knock, while Sudharsan hit five fours. Their stand cut the deficit to 98 runs by stumps.

New Zealand A resumed on 135/3 and were bowled out for 317 in 89.3 overs, a first-innings lead of 204 over India A’s 113. Captain Rhys Mariu top-scored with 76 off 137 balls, and Dean Foxcroft made 51.

Anshul Kamboj (3/52) and Auqib Nabi (3/69) took three wickets each. India A’s bowlers also conceded 46 runs in extras.

The series

This is the 1st four-day match (unofficial Test) of India A in New Zealand 2026/27, played from 24 to 27 October. The third four-day match is scheduled at the same ground from 7 to 10 November.

Recent form

India A’s most recent results came against Australia A. They won by 49 runs on 11 October and lost by 69 runs on 9 October. On 6 October they lost by 125 runs, and on 22 September they won by 162 runs.

New Zealand A’s latest results are from April, when they lost four of five matches against Sri Lanka A, with one drawn.