India A pacers displayed disciplined rhythm on the third day of the second unofficial Test match, sending a positive signal ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. Spearheading the bowling attack, Mukesh Kumar and Mohammed Siraj accounted for nine dismissals between them. Siraj bowled a marathon 35 overs, conceding 118 runs while claiming 4 wickets. Complementing him from the opposite end, Mukesh delivered 29 overs, giving away 87 runs to capture a five-wicket haul. Off-spinner Washington Sundar chipped in with one dismissal to wrap up the bowling effort.
Lower-Order Resistance Hands Hosts a 78-Run Lead
Despite the sustained pressure applied by India A's frontline pacers, the hosts managed to establish an essential first-innings lead. Matthew Boyle set the foundation for New Zealand A with a patient knock of 110 runs, backed by Dean Foxcroft's solid contribution of 93 runs. The tourists seemed poised for a quick wrap-up when the home side slipped to 338 for eight, yet the tail stood firm to thwart the attack.
New Zealand A's final two wickets mounted an 86-run rearguard effort. Batting at number nine, Fraser Sheat contributed 40 runs, while tenth-wicket batter Jayden Lennox remained unbeaten on 32. Number eleven Jarrod McKay added a valuable 33 runs to frustrate the bowlers. This resilient stand pushed New Zealand A to 424 all out, establishing a 78-run first-innings advantage over India's total of 346.
Unbeaten Start in the Second Innings by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan
Faced with a 78-run deficit, India A began their second innings with composure, reaching 32 without loss by the close of play on Day 3. The opening pair helped trim the deficit down to 46 runs ahead of the final day's action.
At stumps, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been dismissed without scoring in the first innings, was batting securely on 20. Alongside him, Sai Sudharsan held ground with an unbeaten 11. Their steady partnership ensured India A suffered no early damage as they look to build a defensive cushion going forward.
