India A Struggles in First Unofficial Test Against New Zealand A

India A's Disappointing Start in Lincoln

Lincoln [New Zealand], October 24: In the opening day of the first unofficial Test match at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, India A faced a tough challenge, getting bowled out for a mere 113 runs within 40 overs against New Zealand A.

Batting first on a green pitch located just 22 kilometers from Christchurch, where the Indian T20I team is preparing for their next match at Hagley Oval, India A struggled to establish a solid innings.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opened the batting, but Rahul's stay was short-lived as he fell for a duck in the third over after facing eight deliveries.

Devdutt Padikkal and Jaiswal managed to add 30 runs for the second wicket before Jaiswal was dismissed for 17 runs, caught by Matthew Boyle off Zak Gibson's bowling.

Sai Sudharsan followed soon after, failing to score and getting out for a duck after 13 balls, with Simon Keene claiming his first wicket.

Dhruv Jurel, leading India A for the first time in Australia, also fell victim to Keene, scoring just one run before being caught by Rhys Mariu.

Padikkal attempted to build a partnership with young Yash Rathod, but Gibson dismissed him for 32 runs, which included five boundaries.

Gibson continued his impressive spell by taking out Washington Sundar for a duck in his next over.

Rathod and Anshul Kamboj (10) briefly tried to stabilize the innings with some boundaries, but their partnership was broken by Kristian Clarke.

Rathod then shifted gears, finding the boundary regularly while batting with the tailenders.

Simon Keene wrapped up the innings by taking the last three wickets, finishing with a five-wicket haul, while Gibson took three wickets. Clarke and Fraser Sheat each contributed with one wicket.

Rathod was the standout performer for India A, remaining not out on 44, hitting three fours and three sixes to help the team surpass the 100-run mark.

India A is scheduled to play a total of three unofficial Test matches against New Zealand A, with the next match set for Hagley Oval on October 31, followed by the third match in Lincoln starting November 7.