New Zealand A reached stumps at 135/3, holding a slender 22-run lead. While the tourists appeared to be in total control for much of the day, the late intervention from the Indian bowlers provided a much-needed boost for the home side heading into the second day of play.
India A batting collapse and New Zealand A's dominance
The day began poorly for India A after they were asked to bat in conditions that heavily favored the seam bowlers. The top order struggled to settle, with KL Rahul departing for a duck and Yashasvi Jaiswal managing only 17. Devdutt Padikkal provided some brief resistance with a 32-run knock from 77 balls, but the team failed to build meaningful partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Yash Rathod emerged as the standout performer for the hosts, remaining unbeaten on 44 from 49 deliveries, an innings that included three fours and three sixes. However, he lacked support from the other end, and the innings concluded in just 39.3 overs.
Late wickets shift the momentum
In response, New Zealand A looked set to build a commanding lead behind a solid 132-run opening partnership between Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy. Mariu was particularly aggressive, scoring 76 off 137 balls with 12 boundaries, while Heaphy played a supporting role. The pair successfully guided the visitors past India A's total without losing a wicket.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 39th over when Mukesh Choudhary trapped Mariu leg-before-wicket.
