Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod produced a magnificent batting display on the final day to secure a fighting draw for India A against New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test. The pair combined for an unbroken 247-run partnership on Tuesday, rescuing the visitors after an early collapse left their second innings in deep trouble.
Jaiswal finished unbeaten on a commanding 155, while Rathod notched up his 11th first-class century to remain not out on 100 as India A closed their second innings safely at 282/2. With the contest drifting firmly toward a stalemate, both captains agreed to call off the game shortly after the Tea interval, just four deliveries after Rathod reached his milestone hundred.
Match Turning Point and Batting Resurgence
- Early Collapse: India A stumbled to 35/2 within the opening overs of the morning session following a delayed start due to rain.
- Stellar Partnership: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod forged an unbroken 247-run stand to wipe out New Zealand A’s 78-run first-innings advantage.
- Milestone Knocks: Jaiswal smashed 15 fours and five sixes on his way to 155 not out, while Rathod compiled a patient and composed 100 not out.
- Depleted Attack: New Zealand A bowled without the services of injured paceman Fraser Sheat and spinner Jayden Lennox, allowing the Indian batsmen to dictate terms.
Context and First-Innings Performance
The morning session had begun inauspiciously for the tourists following a rain delay, with Sai Sudharsan falling in the opening over to Jarrod McKay before Brett Randell removed Devdutt Padikkal for a duck. However, Jaiswal and Rathod absorbed the early pressure expertly. Jaiswal shook off a first-innings duck with aggressive stroke-play against the spin bowlers, surviving a brief concussion check after taking a bouncer to the helmet. Earlier in the match, New Zealand A posted 424 in response to India A’s 346, powered by Matthew Boyle’s 110 and Dean Foxcroft’s 93. Mukesh Kumar claimed five wickets for 87 runs for the visitors, while Dhruv Jurel starred in the first innings with a fluent century of 105.
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