Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 99 rescues India A after Fraser Sheat’s four-wicket burst
India A recovered from an early collapse and a testing middle-order wobble to finish the opening day of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A on 291/7 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Captain and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel led the late fightback, reaching stumps unbeaten on 99, while Devdutt Padikkal laid the foundation with a composed 80.
On a surface offering assistance to the seamers, New Zealand A made the most of their decision to bowl first. Fraser Sheat struck in the opening over, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw for a four-ball duck and giving the hosts an immediate advantage. But India A responded with patience and purpose, rebuilding through a substantial second-wicket partnership that carried them safely through the morning session.
Padikkal and Sudharsan steady India A after early dismissal
Sai Sudharsan joined Padikkal at the crease after Jaiswal’s departure, and the pair weathered the new-ball threat without allowing the early setback to dictate the innings. They added 91 runs for the second wicket, combining careful defence with well-timed scoring shots. India A reached lunch at 87/1, having restored a measure of control.
Sudharsan looked assured during his 41 from 63 deliveries, but New Zealand A found a breakthrough soon after the interval. Jarrod McKay removed the left-hander in the second over after lunch, with Mitchell Hay taking the catch. The dismissal shifted momentum back towards the home side and opened the door for a series of important wickets.
Yash Rathod made 13 before edging Brett Randell through to Hay, leaving India A at 131/3. Padikkal, meanwhile, continued to look comfortable at the crease. His innings was built around sound shot selection and a steady tempo, with 12 boundaries helping him reach a well-earned half-century. He appeared to be anchoring the innings, but Sheat eventually beat him and bowled him for 80. India A had slipped to 137/4.
Sheat’s spell puts New Zealand A on top
Sheat’s dismissal of Padikkal proved to be the start of a damaging spell. The seamer struck twice more in quick succession, first trapping Smaran Ravichandran for a duck and then removing Washington Sundar for eight. Both batters were given out lbw, and India A fell to 160/6 after losing three wickets for relatively few runs.
At that stage, the visitors needed someone to take responsibility and prevent the innings from unraveling. Jurel provided the answer. Rather than forcing the pace, he focused on occupying the crease, rotating the strike and choosing his attacking options carefully. His approach was particularly valuable as New Zealand A continued to apply pressure with disciplined bowling.
Jurel first found a reliable partner in Manav Suthar. The pair added 62 runs for the seventh wicket, giving India A a much-needed platform after the middle-order collapse. Suthar contributed 22, playing a supporting role while Jurel kept the scoreboard moving. Their partnership helped shift the innings from recovery mode towards a more competitive total.
Jurel and Akash Deep lift India A to 291/7
After Suthar departed, Jurel continued the repair job alongside Akash Deep. The lower-order batter offered determined support, allowing the captain to remain on strike and build towards three figures. Their unbroken stand was worth 69 runs by stumps, taking India A beyond 250 and giving the visitors a far stronger finish than seemed likely at 160/6.
Jurel closed the day on 99 not out, just one run short of a century. His innings was the defining contribution of the day: not only did it prevent New Zealand A from taking complete control, it also gave India A a chance to push towards a challenging first-innings total on day two. Akash’s contribution was equally important in context, as his resistance ensured that the partnership remained intact when the close of play arrived.
For New Zealand A, Sheat was the standout bowler, finishing with 4/50 from 19 overs. His early strike set the tone, and his ability to return for crucial wickets after the lunch break kept the hosts in the contest. Randell, McKay and Jayden Lennox claimed one wicket each, while the bowling unit will look to make another early impact when play resumes.
What the first day means for the second unofficial Test
India A’s total of 291/7 leaves the match finely balanced. New Zealand A enjoyed periods of control, particularly during Sheat’s burst through the middle order, but Jurel’s unbeaten innings has prevented the visitors from being dismissed cheaply. If he can convert his 99 into a century and extend the partnership with Akash Deep, India A could add valuable runs before the innings ends.
The conditions at Hagley Oval are likely to remain a key factor. The early movement rewarded New Zealand A’s seamers, while India A’s best batting came from players who were willing to settle in before expanding their stroke play. That contrast could shape the next phase of the contest: the hosts will want to strike quickly, while India A will aim to make the most of Jurel’s position and build scoreboard pressure.
For cricket followers assessing the match prediction, the first-innings score is competitive but not yet decisive. India A’s prospects will improve if Jurel reaches three figures and the tail adds another useful partnership; New Zealand A, however, will feel encouraged by their bowling performance and the assistance available to their seamers. The next session should offer a clearer indication of which side can turn a closely fought opening day into a lasting advantage.
Brief scores: India A 291/7 (Dhruv Jurel 99*, Devdutt Padikkal 80; Fraser Sheat 4/50) vs New Zealand A.
