Devdutt Padikkal Scores Fifty as India A Batting Holds On

Devdutt Padikkal scored a fifty to anchor India A's recovery on the second day of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln. At the close, India A were 106 for 2 in their second innings.

The visitors remain 98 runs adrift of New Zealand A's first-innings total. Their second innings began poorly, with Yashasvi Jaiswal out for 5 and KL Rahul dismissed hit wicket for 4.

With the top order in trouble, Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan took charge. Their composure meant India A avoided any further damage before stumps. Padikkal was 56 not out from 89 balls, showing good form and timing, while Sudharsan was 39 not out.

The pair have put on an unbroken 96 runs for the third wicket in 188 balls, a stand that has steadied the innings.

Earlier, New Zealand A were bowled out for 317 in their first innings, taking a lead of 204 runs. Rees Mariu was the standout batter with 76 as captain. Foxcroft made 51, Clarke 42 from 67 balls, Hay 24 and Boyle 17. Tim Robinson and Jayden Lennox were out without scoring.

In reply, India A were all out for 113. Akib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and Akash Deep each took two wickets, while Mukesh Chaudhary and Washington Sundar took one each.

India A will look to build on their partnership when play resumes on the third day.