India A leaves visitors with a daunting task after taking a 236-run lead

The second unofficial Test match between India and New Zealand turned in India’s favor after Ankit Bawne’s unbeaten 162 helped extend the lead in India’s favor. Bad light once again forced for an early finish on day 3, and at the end New Zealand A were looking good at 104/1. Opener Jeet Raval remained unbeaten on 41 with five boundaries while Henry Nicholls was not out on 55.

India’s Shahbaz Nadeem picked up the lone wicket of George Worker, as he was trapped in front. But before that India managed to pile up a good score on the board. Apart from Bawne’s unbeaten hundred, wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel too added vital runs with the bat. Patel made 65, with the help of six boundaries and a six. The tail enders could not do much and were dismsised cheaply. India A lost four wickets for 56 runs towards the end and that summed up their innings.

Sodhi bags three

Lanky spinner Ish Sodhi picked up three wickets for his team. Sodhi dismissed Shreyas Iyer, skipper Karun Nair and Ankit Rajput. Seth Rance and Scott Kuggeleijn shared four wickets among themselves. The Indian middle order batted with solidity and everyone chipped in with vital contributions. The visitors were earlier dismissed for just 211 in their first innings.

India won the first match comprehensively and will look to clean sweep the series 2-0. The visitors are yet to take a lead and they will have to bat well first to avoid an innings defeat. The Indian bowlers will look to pick up some early wickets in the start of the finals days play, while the Kiwis will target sessions, so that they can bat out the innings without any pressure. With New Zealand losing just one wicket at the cost pf 104 runs, clearly they can take up the battle and look for an exciting finish.