Prasidh Krishna returns as India A build 428-run first-innings lead in third unofficial Test

India A tightened their grip on the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A on Sunday, declaring at 464 for five to take a first-innings lead of 428 runs, and Prasidh Krishna removed two early wickets on his return from a left hamstring injury.

The visitors had finished a rain-affected opening day at 227 for two, propelled by Yashasvi Jaiswal's second successive century on the tour. Jaiswal followed an unbeaten 155 from the previous match with a score of 102, while B Sai Sudharsan was left unbeaten on 77 at stumps on that first day. India A resumed with that platform in place and pushed the total much higher before declaring.

Resuming on Sunday, Sudharsan added 11 to his overnight score before Zak Gibson bowled him for 88. Dhruv Jurel then anchored the middle order, making 71 off 95 balls with nine fours and two sixes and reaching his fifty off 75 deliveries; Cameron Paul eventually ended his innings.

Tilak Varma, used as a backup in the absence of Rishabh Pant, contributed in a partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, adding 44 runs while Jadeja scored 25. After Jadeja's dismissal Washington Sundar and Tilak compiled an unbeaten 114 for the sixth wicket, with Tilak finishing 81 not out from 131 balls and Washington 50 from 107 deliveries.

India A declared on 464 for five after 146 overs, handing New Zealand A a substantial deficit to overcome. Prasidh Krishna, making his comeback, struck twice in his opening spell to dismiss Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy, leaving New Zealand A 36 for two. Jasprit Bumrah, playing in the fixture as part of his ongoing preparation, returned figures of 0/11.

At stumps Dean Foxcroft was unbeaten on 10 and Zak Gibson on one, with New Zealand A still trailing by 428 runs. The first two matches of the series had ended in draws, and this position places India A firmly in control of the final fixture.