India A Reach 377/5 at Tea as Padikkal Scores 199

Lincoln, October 26: India A reached 377 for 5 at tea on the second day's play of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Lincoln. The innings was anchored by Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 199 before being dismissed one run short of a double century.

Padikkal faced 248 balls in his innings, which included 24 fours and 3 sixes. His wicket was a contentious one. Jack Gibson of New Zealand A struck him on the pads, and after a strong appeal from the bowling side, the umpire gave him out. Padikkal was visibly disappointed with the verdict.

India A were not off to a good start in the second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal made 5 and KL Rahul 4, but Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan put together a crucial partnership.

The two batters added 215 runs for the third wicket in 340 balls. Sudharsan was out for 91 off 184 balls, with 12 fours to his name.

Dhruv Jurel, the captain, managed only 2 runs.

Yash Rathore came in as the next partner and shared 142 runs with Padikkal. At the break, Rathore was 66 not out and Washington Sundar was 2 not out.

India A's lead currently stands at 173 runs, and five wickets are in hand. India A had earlier been dismissed for 113 in the first innings, after which New Zealand A scored 317 to take a 204-run lead.