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India A’s batting struggled in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, managing just 113 in 39.3 overs. Yash Rathod provided the strongest resistance with 44 not out, but Simon Keene’s five-wicket haul and three wickets from Zak Gibson helped the hosts take control of the opening stages of the four-day match.
New Zealand A made a confident start in reply, with opener Rhys Mariu scoring 76 before Mukesh Choudhary broke the opening partnership. India A’s bowlers struck late on the first day, with Auqib Nabi taking two wickets in successive deliveries, but New Zealand A remained well placed to build a first-innings advantage as play continued.
India A’s innings never developed into a substantial total despite a line-up featuring several experienced batters. Yashasvi Jaiswal made 17, while KL Rahul was dismissed for a duck. Devdutt Padikkal top-scored among the recognised batters with 32, but wickets continued to fall around him.
Rathod’s unbeaten 44 came from 49 balls and included three sixes, making him the only India A batter to pass 40. The lower order could not add enough runs to take the visitors to a competitive score, and the innings ended after 39.3 overs. Five batters were dismissed without scoring, underlining the scale of the collapse.
Simon Keene was the most successful bowler, taking five wickets as he exploited conditions that offered assistance to the seamers. Zak Gibson added three wickets, putting New Zealand A firmly in command. Kristian Clarke also claimed a wicket as India A were dismissed for 113.
The early bowling success was important for the hosts, who won the toss and chose to field. Their seamers kept pressure on India A’s top and middle order, preventing the visitors from establishing long partnerships and forcing the lower order to bat under pressure.
New Zealand A’s response was anchored by Rhys Mariu, who scored 76 from 137 balls with 12 fours. He and Curtis Heaphy helped the hosts move past India A’s total before Mukesh Choudhary trapped Mariu lbw. Heaphy continued to hold his end, providing a patient contribution as New Zealand A sought to extend their advantage.
India A found a late opening through Auqib Nabi. He bowled Jayden Lennox for a duck and then dismissed Tim Robinson lbw for another duck in consecutive deliveries, briefly shifting momentum and leaving the hosts with wickets down late in the day. Mukesh Choudhary had earlier removed Mariu, giving India A three late wickets after the opening partnership had looked settled.
- 113: India A’s first-innings total in 39.3 overs.
- 44 not out: Yash Rathod’s score, the highest for India A.
- 32: Devdutt Padikkal’s contribution.
- Five wickets: Simon Keene’s haul for New Zealand A.
- Three wickets: Zak Gibson’s contribution.
- 76: Rhys Mariu’s score before being dismissed by Mukesh Choudhary.
The match is part of India A’s multi-game tour of New Zealand and gives players exposure to local conditions in a longer-format setting. The series offers opportunities for established players and those pushing for higher honours to build time in the middle and adapt to New Zealand’s seam-friendly conditions.
For India A, the first innings highlights the importance of batting partnerships and managing periods when the ball is moving. Rathod’s resistance showed that runs were possible, but the visitors need more substantial contributions across the order to put pressure back on the home side.
The opening match is scheduled as a four-day fixture from October 23 to 27 at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. India A will aim to limit New Zealand A’s first-innings advantage and then produce a more resilient batting effort in their next innings. The tour also includes further unofficial Tests, with the matches intended to provide preparation and opportunities ahead of India’s forthcoming red-ball assignments.
Score updates can change throughout the day, so the live scorecard should be checked for the latest total, wickets and lead before publication. The established picture from the opening innings, however, is clear: India A were dismissed for 113, and New Zealand A’s bowlers gave their side a strong platform to control the match.
