Jaiswal (155*) and Rathod (100*) Lead India A to Draw in Christchurch


Match Drawn: The second unofficial four-year Test between New Zealand A and India A ended in a draw in Christchurch after both teams shook hands 10 balls after tea on the final day, with India A holding a 204-run lead. Jaiswal, though, was quick to transfer the pressure back onto the opposition. He walked down the track on the first ball he faced to punch-drive McKay past mid-on. He also moved around in the crease to throw a disciplined Randell off his radar. In his company, Rathod also found his feet and flourished. Match Totals: New Zealand A posted 424 in their first innings (led by Boyle's 110 and Foxcroft's 93, alongside five wickets from Mukesh and four from Siraj). India A replied with 346 in their first innings (Jurel 105, Padikkal 80, Akash Deep 68) and finished on 282 for 2 in their second innings. Early Morning Wobble & Recovery Early Setbacks: After over 90 minutes were lost to morning rain on the fourth day under overcast skies and strong winds, India A suffered a quick double-blow while still trailing by 43 runs. B Sai Sudharsan fell for 11 to Jarrod McKay off the sixth ball of the day, followed immediately by Devdutt Padikkal being bowled for a golden duck by Brett Randell. Record-Breaking Partnership Unbroken Stand: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod stitched together a brilliant, unbeaten 247-run partnership at over a run-a-ball to safely steer India A out of trouble. Jaiswal's Aggression: Coming off low scores earlier in the tour (17, 5, and 0), Jaiswal played a belligerent knock, smashing an unbeaten 155*. He targeted offspinner Dean Foxcroft in particular, hitting him for 47 runs off 33 balls—including four sixes—to bring up his century off 119 balls. Rathod's Stability: Rathod played a compact, chanceless anchoring knock, finishing unbeaten on 100* to claim his 12th first-class century and maintain his strong form on the A tour.