Dhruv Jurel unbeaten 99 proved crucial as India A recovered from a dramatic middle-order collapse to finish the opening day of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A at 291 for seven. The India A captain held the innings together on a surface offering considerable seam movement and bounce at Hagley Oval.
India A had slipped to 137 for five after losing four wickets for just seven runs. However, Jurel responded with a composed innings, combining patience with calculated aggression to prevent the hosts from taking complete control.
Jurel was unbeaten on 99 off 155 deliveries at stumps, just one run away from his century. He handled the short ball effectively, using his pull and hook shots to put pressure back on the New Zealand A bowlers.
Akash Deep supported him with an unbeaten 25, and the pair added 69 runs for the eighth wicket. Their partnership helped India A reach a competitive position after a difficult afternoon.
Padikkal and Sudharsan Provide Solid Opening Stand
India A lost Yashasvi Jaiswal in the opening over, with Fraser Sheat dismissing the opener for a duck. Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan then steadied the innings with a 91-run partnership.
Sudharsan scored 41 before being dismissed by Jarrod McKay shortly after lunch. Padikkal continued his innings and reached his half-century off 101 balls, but his dismissal triggered a sudden collapse.
Yash Rathod was caught behind off Brett Randell, while Padikkal was bowled by Sheat. Ravichandran Smaran followed for a golden duck in the same over, leaving India A under pressure.
Washington Sundar also failed to make a substantial contribution, falling to Sheat after being trapped in front.
Jurel and Akash Deep Take India A Past 290
Jurel found support from Manav Suthar, with the pair adding 62 runs for the seventh wicket. Suthar contributed 22 before losing his wicket in the final session, while Jurel brought up his half-century from 93 balls.
The captain then shifted gears, attacking McKay with a sequence of boundaries that included a four, six and another four.
Akash Deep joined him at the crease and helped maintain the momentum. Their unbeaten stand ensured India A did not lose another wicket before stumps.
With 291 runs on the board and three wickets remaining, India A will look to build on Jurel’s determined effort when play resumes.
Relevant Link: Board of Control for Cricket in India
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