LINCOLN — Devdutt Padikkal played a magnificent knock of 199, leading a stunning batting revival for India A after their disastrous first innings, leaving the visitors in a position of complete dominance at the end of the third day of the first unofficial four-day Test against New Zealand A at Lincoln.
By stumps on Day 3, India A had reached a commanding 488 for 8 in their second innings, establishing a formidable lead of 284 runs. This remarkable turnaround followed a dismal opening performance that saw India A bundled out for a meager 113 runs in their first essay, in response to New Zealand A’s first-innings total of 317. Supported brilliantly by half-centuries from B Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod, and Washington Sundar, the visiting side completely turned the fixture on its head, maintaining a healthy run rate of 4.10 and piling misery on the New Zealand A bowling attack throughout Saturday’s proceedings.
The third day began with India A precariously placed at 106 for 2, still trailing by 98 runs and needing deep application from the overnight batters to erase the deficit and build a competitive target. Padikkal, who resumed his innings on 56, and Sai Sudharsan, who started the morning on 39, answered the call with a masterclass in patience and concentration. The pair batted completely unseparated through the better part of the morning session, frustrating the New Zealand A bowlers with disciplined shot selection and excellent running between the wickets.
Together, Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan compiled a monumental partnership of 215 runs spanning 340 balls. Their association laid the bedrock of India A’s second-innings recovery, completely wiping out the deficit and pushing the team into a position of strength. The stubborn partnership was finally broken when Kristian Clarke managed to dismiss Sai Sudharsan, who fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved century, departing for 91. Attempting to pull a delivery from the off-stump line, Sai Sudharsan could only manage a top edge that resulted in a simple catch at square leg, bringing an end to a stellar knock that had broken the back of the New Zealand A bowling attack.
Following Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel walked to the crease but failed to make an impact, lasting for just 2 runs after managing only a single run in the first innings. However, any hopes New Zealand A had of triggering a lower-order collapse were quickly dashed as Yash Rathod joined Padikkal at the crease. The duo launched an aggressive counter-attack, adding a rapid 142 runs at better than a run-a-ball. Both batters consciously accelerated their scoring rate in the afternoon, acutely aware that India A needed to score quickly to leave themselves enough overs on the final day to press for a result.
The magnificent partnership came to a dramatic and heartbreaking end for Padikkal, who was left stranded just one run away from a historic double century. Attempting to glance a harmless-looking delivery down the leg side from Zak Gibson, Padikkal could only manage a faint nick through to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. A distinct sound as the ball passed the bat alerted the fielding team, and Padikkal stood visibly shocked when the umpire raised his finger following a subdued appeal. Though he stood his ground momentarily in disbelief, the batter ultimately had to trudge back to the pavilion, walking off to widespread appreciation for one of the finest innings seen in the series.
Padikkal’s marathon knock was a masterclass in adapting to match situations. When he had first walked to the crease on the second evening, India A were reeling at 10 for 2 in the fifth over, facing an urgent need to survive until stumps. He successfully navigated that testing phase and returned on the third morning to steer the team out of trouble once again. Remarkably, despite the demanding match situation and the need for consolidation, Padikkal rarely retreated into a defensive shell.
His first milestone, a century, took him 128 balls and was fittingly brought up with a massive six off spinner Jayden Lennox. He adopted a more measured approach after reaching three figures, requiring another 76 deliveries to move from 100 to 150 runs. Once past the 150-mark, however, Padikkal opened up his shoulders again, willingly taking calculated risks that included an edgy stroke past the slip cordon. In total, his majestic 199 came off just 248 balls and was adorned with 24 authoritative boundaries and three towering sixes.
Yash Rathod, who had earlier top-scored for India A in the first innings with an unbeaten 44, continued his fine form with a fluent 66. Much like Padikkal, Rathod was left deeply frustrated with his own dismissal when it finally arrived. Attempting a cut shot against part-time spinner Dean Foxcroft, Rathod succeeded only in nicking the ball behind to wicketkeeper Hay.
Rathod’s departure left India A at 378 for 6, giving New Zealand A a brief opening to restrict the visitors’ lead. Yet, the lower order showed remarkable resilience to bat the hosts out of the contest. Washington Sundar formed a vital 41-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Anshul Kamboj, who contributed a brisk 23 runs from 64 balls.
Once Kamboj departed, Washington found another stubborn ally in Auqib Nabi, adding a further 69 runs in 106 balls for the eighth wicket to frustrate the tired New Zealand A bowlers further. As the third day drew to a close, Washington remained unbeaten on 51, anchoring the tail expertly alongside Akash Deep.
With a commanding lead of 284 runs already on the board and two wickets still in hand, India A will look to push the advantage even further on the fourth and final morning. The visiting side’s total security will depend on how many more runs Washington and Akash Deep can accumulate before the team management feels comfortable enough to declare and unleash their bowling attack on New Zealand A in search of a famous victory.
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