Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 61 guided India A through a recovery on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. India A were 105 for two after 31 overs in the second session, having lost Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck early and Sai Sudharsan for 41 after a partnership that rebuilt the innings.
Jaiswal falls early after New Zealand A choose to bowl
New Zealand A won the toss and elected to field, and the decision produced an immediate result. Fraser Sheat removed Jaiswal for zero from four deliveries, leaving India A at 0/1 inside the opening over. The early wicket placed responsibility on the next batters to negotiate the new ball and prevent the innings from slipping further.
Padikkal and Sudharsan responded with a measured stand. Both left-handers spent time at the crease and moved the score forward without allowing New Zealand A to take another wicket for a substantial period. Their partnership took India A to 91 before the second dismissal arrived in the 28th over.
Padikkal reaches another half-century
Padikkal was unbeaten on 61 from 110 balls at the 31-over mark, with nine fours and no sixes. He reached his half-century from 100 deliveries, continuing the patient approach that had helped India A recover from the early setback. His innings gave the visitors a stabilising presence after the loss of Jaiswal.
The knock also extended a productive run in the red-ball leg of the tour. Cricbuzz's live commentary noted that Padikkal had scored 32 and 199 in the first unofficial Test. His latest half-century means he has again made a substantial contribution in the second match, although the innings remains in progress and the final return will depend on how long he stays at the crease.
Sudharsan's contribution ends at 41
Sai Sudharsan made 41 from 63 balls before becoming New Zealand A's second wicket. Jarrod McKay took the wicket, with Mitchell Hay completing the catch. The dismissal came at 91/2 in the 27.1st over and ended a partnership that had helped India A move beyond the first-over setback.
Sudharsan's 41 was an important contribution in the context of the start. He scored at a positive pace while sharing the recovery with Padikkal, and his departure brought Yash Rathod to the middle. Rathod was two not out from 10 balls when India A reached 105/2 after 31 overs.
New Zealand A keep the contest open
Sheat's early strike and McKay's dismissal of Sudharsan gave the hosts two breakthroughs, while Padikkal's continued presence prevented them from taking control of the innings. At the 31-over point, McKay had one wicket, while the live score showed India A scoring at 3.39 runs per over.
The second session remained an important phase for both sides. India A needed Padikkal to turn his start into a larger score and Rathod to settle at the crease. New Zealand A, meanwhile, had an opportunity to attack the new batter and look for a third wicket before the partnership could develop.
What to watch next
Padikkal's progress is the central batting storyline as India A look to build a stronger first-innings total. His ability to bat for a longer period will influence how much pressure the middle and lower order face later in the day. Rathod's task is to support him and make the most of the platform created by the second-wicket partnership.
For New Zealand A, the immediate aim is to break the stand and expose the next group of batters. The bowling side has already made early inroads, but the score at 105/2 shows that India A have recovered from the first-over dismissal. The balance of the innings remains open at this stage of the match.
The SportsLine angle
Unofficial Tests are a useful stage for players to test their technique and concentration in conditions that differ from those at home. Padikkal's contributions across the two matches illustrate the value of adapting to longer-format cricket, while Sudharsan's 41 showed how a second batter can help absorb pressure after an early wicket. For emerging Indian players, these fixtures provide competitive time in the middle and an opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for demanding overseas conditions.
This report reflects the live score available at 31 overs on Day 1. The match was still in progress at the time of writing; subsequent scores, dismissals and session results may change the picture.
Frequently asked questions
What was India A's score against New Zealand A on Day 1?
India A were 105 for two after 31 overs in the second session of Day 1 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Devdutt Padikkal was unbeaten on 61 and Yash Rathod was two not out when the live score was updated.
How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal score?
Devdutt Padikkal was unbeaten on 61 from 110 deliveries at the 31-over mark. He had struck nine fours and anchored the India A innings after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck in the opening over.
Who dismissed Sai Sudharsan in the second unofficial Test?
New Zealand A fast bowler Jarrod McKay dismissed Sai Sudharsan for 41. Sudharsan was caught by wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay in the 27.1st over, with India A's score at 91 for two at the time of the dismissal.
Who won the toss in the India A versus New Zealand A match?
New Zealand A won the toss and chose to bowl first at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The decision brought an early breakthrough, with Fraser Sheat dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a four-ball duck in the first over.
Where is the second unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A being played?
The second unofficial Test is being played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand. The fixture is part of the India A tour of New Zealand in 2026 and gives players from both A sides an opportunity to compete in four-day conditions.