Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan staged a resolute rescue mission, guiding India A to 106 for 2 in their second innings on the second day of the unofficial Test against New Zealand A on Sunday. The visitors found themselves in early trouble after another disappointing collapse from the top-order batters.
- India A reached 106 for 2 in 36 overs by stumps on day two.
- Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on 56 runs off 89 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries.
- Sai Sudharsan contributed a patient 39 not out off 104 balls, striking five fours.
- The pair put together an unbroken 96-run partnership for the third wicket to steady the ship.
Match Situation and First Innings Recap
Earlier in the match, India A suffered a disastrous start to their second innings when openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul fell cheaply for the second consecutive time, leaving the team tottering at 10 for 2. However, Padikkal and Sudharsan absorbed the pressure with disciplined batsmanship. India A currently trail New Zealand A by 98 runs with two days left in the fixture, having previously been bowled out for a modest 113 in their first essay. New Zealand A had posted a formidable total of 317 all out in 89.3 overs, spearheaded by skipper Rhys Mariu’s patient 76 and Dean Foxcroft’s 51.
Bowling Efforts and Looking Ahead
India’s pace attack shared the bowling spoils earlier in the innings, with Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi claiming three wickets apiece, while Akash Deep chipped in with two scalps. Despite their bowling efforts, 46 extras conceded by the visitors allowed New Zealand A to build a sizeable first-innings lead of 204 runs. When play resumes, Padikkal and Sudharsan will aim to extend their partnership and push their team into a position of safety, while the hosts will look to break through and target the remaining Indian batters.
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