Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missed out on a double-century after being given out caught behind on 199 during Day 3 of the ongoing first unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A in Lincoln. The left-handed batter was visibly unhappy with the on-field umpire’s decision, insisting there was a considerable gap between his bat and the ball.
With bowler Zak Gibson celebrating the dismissal alongside his teammates, Padikkal remained at the crease for a few moments, staring at the umpire in disbelief. As he walked back towards the dressing room, the Karnataka batter gestured to indicate that the ball had not touched his bat.
Devdutt Padikkal produced a magnificent innings at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, scoring 199 runs off 248 deliveries, including 24 fours and three sixes. His knock further highlighted his impressive form ahead of India’s upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, where he is expected to feature at No. 3.
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The 26-year-old has been in excellent touch across formats. Earlier this year, he made the most of an opportunity to bat at No. 3 during India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the two-match series due to injury.
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Devdutt Padikkal first impressed with a century in a warm-up match before registering a remarkable 167 in the opening Test in Galle. He followed it up with 44 in the second innings as India secured a convincing 165-run victory. The left-hander continued his strong run in the second Test, scoring 117 off 193 balls as India declared their innings at 503/9. The match ended in a draw, allowing India to clinch the series 1-0.
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Meanwhile, Padikkal spearheaded India A’s recovery after the hosts bowled them out for just 113 on the opening day. New Zealand A gained a 204-run first-innings lead after scoring 317, but India A responded strongly in their second innings. At stumps on Day 3, India A were 488/8, holding a substantial 284-run lead, with Padikkal’s near-double-century leading the charge.
