India A endured a disappointing first day in the opening four-day fixture against New Zealand A on Saturday, getting bowled out for just 113 runs before Auqib Nabi's two wickets in two balls offered the visitors a late boost. New Zealand A finished the day at 135 for 3, holding a 22-run lead.
Simon Keene and Zak Gibson led New Zealand A's bowling attack, claiming eight wickets between them to dismantle the Indian batting line-up. In reply, openers Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy put together a commanding 132-run partnership before India A struck back late in the day.
India A Collapse for 113
After being asked to bat first, India A suffered an early setback when KL Rahul was dismissed for a duck, edging Fraser Sheat behind after facing just eight deliveries.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal attempted to steady the innings with a 30-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Gibson removed Jaiswal for 17, while Keene struck twice in quick succession to dismiss B Sai Sudharsan for a duck and Dhruv Jurel for just one run.
The wickets continued to tumble as Padikkal, who top-scored with 32, and Washington Sundar fell to Gibson. India A slumped to 58 for 6 in the 31st over, leaving the visitors in serious trouble.
Yash Rathod showed some resistance amid the collapse, but wickets at the other end prevented India A from building a meaningful partnership. Kristian Clarke also contributed by dismissing Anshul Kamboj.
Rathod's Late Assault Lifts India A
With India A struggling at 81 for 9, Rathod changed his approach after being joined by last batter Mukesh Choudhary. The right-hander launched an aggressive counterattack, scoring all 32 runs in the final-wicket partnership off just 16 deliveries.
Rathod finished with a fighting 44 off 49 balls, including three fours and three sixes, providing some respectability to an otherwise disappointing innings. Choudhary was dismissed for a duck, handing Keene his fifth wicket and wrapping up India A's innings at 113.
Keene and Gibson finished with five and three wickets respectively, accounting for the bulk of India A's batting order.
Mariu and Heaphy Put New Zealand A in Control
New Zealand A made an emphatic start to their reply, with Mariu and Heaphy putting India A's bowlers under pressure through a 132-run opening partnership.
Mariu played the more attacking role, scoring 76 off 137 balls, while Heaphy displayed patience and discipline to remain unbeaten on 37 from 108 deliveries.
Mariu's innings ended in the 39th over when Choudhary trapped him leg-before-wicket. His dismissal came shortly before the point at which India A had been bowled out in their own innings, underlining New Zealand A's dominance with the bat.
Nabi Strikes Back with Two Wickets in Two Balls
India A found a much-needed breakthrough through Auqib Nabi, who dismissed Jayden Lennox and Tim Robinson on consecutive deliveries to bring the hosts down to 135 for 3.
The double strike gave India A a late lift after a largely difficult day in the field. However, Heaphy and Matthew Boyle survived the remaining over to ensure New Zealand A ended the day firmly in front.
India A Face an Uphill Task
At stumps on the opening day, New Zealand A held a 22-run lead with seven wickets remaining. Heaphy's unbeaten knock and the team's strong opening partnership have put the hosts in a commanding position.
India A will look to claim the remaining wickets quickly on the second morning to limit New Zealand A's lead and keep the match competitive. Meanwhile, the hosts will aim to build on their advantage and bat long enough to put the contest beyond the visitors' reach.
