NZ A vs IND A Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod tons help India A draw

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Left-handed opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal roared back into run-scoring form with a blistering unbeaten century as India A played out a draw against New Zealand A on the final day of the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Tuesday.

Jaiswal smashed 155 not out off 162 balls, striking 15 boundaries and five sixes, to anchor the visiting side’s second-innings recovery after conceding a first-innings deficit. He found solid support in Yash Rathod, who also reached a milestone by completing an unbeaten 100 off 122 deliveries.

Together, the duo forged an unbroken 247-run partnership for the third wicket, propelling India A to 282/2 in 52.4 overs before both captains called a draw. India A finished the match with an overall lead of 204 runs.

Jaiswal’s second-innings heroics were crucial following a lean run of form, having logged scores of 17 and 5 in the series opener before registering a duck in the first innings of this match. The opener reached his hundred off 119 deliveries before accelerating to erase New Zealand A’s 78-run advantage.

Rathod complemented Jaiswal’s aggressive strokeplay with a composed century, ensuring India A avoided further stumbles after losing Sai Sudharsan (11) and Devdutt Padikkal (0) early on Day 4.

Jurel scored a century in the first innings

Earlier in the contest, India A compiled 346 in their first innings after being put in to bat. Captain and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel spearheaded the effort with a resilient 105 off 171 balls, supported by Padikkal (80), Akash Deep (68), and Sudharsan (41). For New Zealand A, Fraser Sheat led the bowling attack with 4/63, while Brett Randell chipped in with two wickets.

In response, New Zealand A posted 424 to secure a 78-run lead, powered by Matthew Boyle’s 110 off 152 balls and Dean Foxcroft’s 93 off 226 deliveries. Lower-order runs from Kristian Clarke (41), Fraser Sheat (40), and Jarrod McKay (33) helped the hosts push past 400.

Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar stood out with figures of 5/87 in 29 overs, while Mohammed Siraj picked up 4/118 and Washington Sundar took one wicket.

Brief Scores:

India A: 346 and 282/2 in 52.4 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 155 not out, Yash Rathod 100 not out).
New Zealand A: 424.

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