India A Pile On 464/5; Prasidh Krishna Strikes Twice on Day 2
India A declare at 464/5 as Jurel, Tilak, and Sundar shine. Prasidh Krishna strikes twice to put New Zealand A on the back foot.
India A have firmly seized control of the third unofficial Test in Lincoln, posting a mammoth total of 464 for five before declaring on Day 2. The dominant batting display, followed by a clinical start with the ball, has left New Zealand A struggling as they attempt to navigate a challenging first innings against a potent Indian attack.
Batting Powerhouse: Half-Centuries Galore
Resuming the second day with a strong foundation, India A continued to build pressure on the hosts. B Sai Sudharsan, who started the day on 77, fought valiantly for his side, adding another 11 runs before Zak Gibson finally bowled him for 88 off a patient 255 deliveries.
The momentum shifted to Dhruv Jurel, who reached his half-century with a stylish boundary. Jurel eventually fell for 54 after edging a short ball to deep backward square, but not before contributing significantly to the scoreboard. By lunch, Tilak Varma and Ravindra Jadeja had propelled the score to 331 for four.
The post-lunch session saw Zak Gibson strike again, removing Jadeja via a catch at slip. However, the New Zealand A bowling unit, hampered by the absence of injured frontline pacers Jarrod McKay and Danru Ferns, struggled to contain the onslaught. Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar forged a steady partnership that pushed the total past the 400-run mark.
Tilak Varma celebrated his half-century with authority, including a towering six off Dean Foxcroft. Washington Sundar also joined the milestone club with a half-century of his own, prompting the Indian captain to declare the innings at 464 for five in the third session.
Prasidh Krishna Ignites the Attack
With a massive total in their pocket, India A turned their attention to the New Zealand A batting lineup. The spotlight was on Jasprit Bumrah, marking his return to first-class cricket for the first time since the Guwahati Test against South Africa nearly a year ago. While Bumrah bowled a disciplined six-over spell, he remained wicketless.
The real fireworks came from Prasidh Krishna, who proved to be the most lethal weapon in the Indian arsenal. Prasidh made immediate inroads by dismissing Rhys Mariu with a sharp inswinging delivery that crashed into the stumps.
The drama continued with Curtis Heaphy, who survived a scare when Sai Sudharsan dropped a catch at third slip. Despite being hit multiple times by the Indian pacers, Heaphy resisted until Prasidh returned to trap him LBW with a delivery that moved back in sharply.
New Zealand A Fight for Survival
As the day drew to a close, Dean Foxcroft and nightwatcher Zak Gibson remained unbeaten. The hosts are now tasked with surviving the remaining overs and chipping away at a daunting deficit.
This fixture serves as a critical preparation ground for India's upcoming Test series against New Zealand. With Mukesh Choudhary and Mukesh Kumar also getting game time, the Indian camp has used the match to test its depth, while Prasidh Krishna's two wickets ensured India A ended the day in a commanding position.