Yashasvi Jaiswal century guides India A to draw with New Zealand A in Christchurch

Yashasvi Jaiswal produced an aggressive century as India A secured a draw with New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test at Christchurch on Tuesday, November 3. He reached his hundred in 119 balls and celebrated by stepping down the track to Dean Foxcroft and lofting the spinner over midwicket.

Jaiswal’s knock represented a return to form after a difficult start to the tour, having failed in each of his first three innings prior to this match. The second unofficial Test offered little chance of a result as batting conditions improved in Christchurch, in contrast to the opening unofficial Test which went to the final moments before New Zealand A salvaged a draw after losing nine wickets.

India A began the final day in a relatively comfortable position but lost Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal in quick succession following a delayed start. Jaiswal and Yash Rathod then batted through the remainder of the morning session, with Jaiswal taking the attack to the New Zealand A bowlers before reaching his century.

The hosts were without the services of Sheat and Lennox, who were unable to bowl on the final day, which the report said made it difficult for them to build sustained pressure. Once Rathod reached his landmark, both teams agreed to shake hands, bringing the contest to an end.

India A’s first innings had earlier been in trouble after Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck in the opening over; Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal steadied the innings, with Padikkal making a half-century. Dhruv Jurel scored a hundred and Akash Deep contributed a fifty to help India A post what the report described as a competitive total.

Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar provided India A a strong start with the ball, reducing New Zealand A to 13 for 3 inside eight overs. Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft responded with a 208-run partnership before Siraj broke the stand by dismissing both batters in the morning session of the third day; New Zealand A’s lower order then frustrated the Indian bowlers and secured a 78-run first-innings lead, despite Mukesh finishing with a five-wicket haul.

The third and final unofficial Test will begin in Lincoln on November 7, and India A will aim to carry the positives from Jaiswal’s century and their senior bowlers’ performances into that match.