Vijayawada: New Zealand A batsmen gave a much better account of themselves in the second innings, reaching 104 for one at stumps, on the third day of the second ‘unofficial’ Test, after India finished their first essay at 447.
At the end of the day’s play, opener Jeet Raval (41 batting) and skipper Henry Nicholls (55 batting) were holding the fort strong. The duo has so far added 85 runs for the second wicket. They still need 133 runs to avoid innings defeat with a day’s play left.
Earlier, India added another 87 runs to their overnight score of 360 for four with Ankit Bawne (162 n o, 245b, 21×4, 5×6) shining with the bat. Parthiv Patel (65) gave him good company as the two put on 166 runs for the fifth wicket. However, after Patel’s dismissial, none of the lower-order batsmen could support Bawne.
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi (3/120) was the best bowler for the visitors.
Brief scores: New Zealand A 211 and 104 for one (Henry Nicholls 55 batting, Jeet Raval 41 batting); India A 447 (Ankit Bawne 162 n o, Parthiv Patel 65, Ish Sodhi 3/120).
Press Trust of India