Lincoln Test Ends Level as Bad Light Halts India A Push

Bad light brought an abrupt end to the first unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A at Lincoln, with the game finishing in a draw. India A were just one wicket away from victory when the umpires called a halt.

India A were bowled out for 113 in their first innings after winning the toss did not favour them, as New Zealand chose to bowl. Yash Rathod was the leading run-scorer with 44, followed by Devdutt Padikkal with 32.

New Zealand A posted 317 in their first innings, built around a captain's knock of 76 from Rice Mariu and a 51 from Dean Foxcroft. That total gave the hosts a 204-run advantage.

India A hit back emphatically with 516 in their second innings. Devdutt Padikkal was the standout with 199 runs from 248 balls, including 24 fours and three sixes, narrowly missing a double century by one run. Sai Sudharsan also fell short of a century, making 91 from 184 balls. Yash Rathod (66) and Washington Sundar (52) also made valuable contributions.

New Zealand A needed 313 to win but were overwhelmed by the Indian attack. They reached 187 for nine before the match was stopped, with about an hour of play left. Poor light denied India A a likely victory.

India will be watching the form of their openers closely. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 17 and 5, while KL Rahul managed 0 and 4 in the match. Both are set to open for the senior team in the New Zealand Test series.