Jaiswal's Power-Hitting: Unbeaten 155 Rescues India A Against New Zealand A
Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 155 to rescue India A from a deficit and secure a draw against New Zealand A in Christchurch.
In a stunning display of resilience and raw power, Yashasvi Jaiswal 155 proved to be the difference-maker as India A fought back to secure a draw against New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
After a string of disappointing outings, the left-handed opener returned to his best, smashing a magnificent unbeaten 155 off just 162 balls. His innings, which featured 15 boundaries and five towering sixes, served as a masterclass in aggressive batting and helped India A erase a first-innings deficit to finish the match on a high.
The Great Recovery
India A's second innings started on a shaky note on Day 4, with the top order collapsing early. Both Sai Sudharsan (11) and Devdutt Padikkal (0) fell cheaply, leaving the visitors vulnerable. However, Jaiswal stepped up in a big way, especially after a lean patch where he had scored only 17 and 5 in the first unofficial Test, and a duck in the first innings of this match.
Jaiswal reached his century in 119 deliveries before shifting into a higher gear to reach 155. He found a perfect partner in Yash Rathod, who played a composed and brilliant knock of his own, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 122 balls.
Together, Jaiswal and Rathod forged a massive unbeaten 247-run partnership for the third wicket. This dominance allowed India A to reach 282/2 in 52.4 overs, eventually leading both captains to agree to a draw. India A ended the contest with a lead of 204 runs.
First Innings Battle
The match had been a seesaw battle since the beginning. In the first innings, New Zealand A posted a formidable 424. Matthew Boyle was the star for the hosts with a superb 110 off 152 balls, while Dean Foxcroft came agonizingly close to a century, scoring 93 off 226 deliveries. Other contributors included Kristian Clarke (41), Fraser Sheat (40), and Jarrod McKay (33).
India's bowling attack was led by Mukesh Kumar, who claimed 5/87 in 29 overs, while Mohammed Siraj chipped in with four wickets for 118 runs. Washington Sundar took the final wicket.
In response, India A managed 346 in their first innings, conceding a 78-run lead. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel was the standout performer with a century (105 off 171 balls), supported by Devdutt Padikkal's 80 and Akash Deep's gritty 68. Sai Sudharsan added 41 to the total. For New Zealand A, Fraser Sheat was the most effective bowler, picking up 4/63, while Brett Randell took two wickets for 66 runs.
Match Summary at a Glance:
- New Zealand A 1st Innings: 424 (Matthew Boyle 110; Mukesh Kumar 5/87)
- India A 1st Innings: 346 (Dhruv Jurel 105; Fraser Sheat 4/63)
- India A 2nd Innings: 282/2 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 155*, Yash Rathod 100*)
- Result: Match Drawn