Boyle Ton Steadies New Zealand A Against India A

New Zealand A were 218 for 3 at stumps on day three of the second unofficial Test against India A at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

After losing three early wickets for 13 runs, New Zealand A found stability through a strong partnership. Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft put on 205 runs and kept India A at bay for the remainder of the day.

Boyle reached a fine hundred. He was unbeaten on 107 from 148 balls, hitting 14 fours and a six. Foxcroft was on 80 from 180 balls.

At the start of the day, the early dismissals of captain Rice Mariu (4), Curtis Heaphy (4) and Tim Robinson (3) had put the innings under pressure.

India A's bowling was led by Mukesh Kumar, who took two wickets, while Mohammed Siraj took one.

The Indian innings had ended at 346 earlier in the match. Dhruv Jurel scored a century after being unbeaten on 99 overnight, but was out for 105. Akashdeep scored an unbeaten 25 overnight and went on to a half-century, finishing on 68 from 116 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. Devdutt Padikkal scored 80 and Sai Sudarshan made 41.

Fraser Sit took four wickets for New Zealand. Brett Randell and Jarod Mackay each claimed two, while Christian Clarke and Jaden Lennox took one apiece.

Attention will turn to the Indian bowlers on day four, although a draw is considered the likely result.