Boyle and Foxcroft lead New Zealand A recovery against India A

New Zealand A staged a resilient fightback on the second day of the second unofficial Test against India A, recovering from a precarious position to reach 218 for three at stumps. After losing their first three wickets for just 13 runs, the visitors were rescued by an unbroken 205-run partnership between Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft, which kept them firmly in the contest.

The recovery was spearheaded by Boyle, who remained unbeaten on 107 from 148 deliveries, a knock highlighted by 14 fours and a six. At the other end, Foxcroft provided the necessary stability, contributing a patient 80 not out off 180 balls with nine boundaries. By the close of play, New Zealand A trailed India A’s first-innings total of 346 by 128 runs, with seven wickets remaining in their innings.

The momentum shifted dramatically when New Zealand A began their reply. The Indian pace attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar, dismantled the top order within the first eight overs. Siraj claimed the wicket of captain Rhys Mariu for four, while Mukesh struck twice in quick succession to remove Curtis Heaphy and Tim Robinson, leaving the visitors reeling at 13 for three. However, the subsequent partnership between Boyle and Foxcroft proved to be the defining feature of the day, as the pair navigated the remainder of the overs without further loss. Mukesh finished the day with figures of two for 44, while Siraj claimed one for 49.