India A skipper Dhruv Jurel produced a determined unbeaten 99 to help his side recover from a middle-order collapse and finish the opening day of the four-day match against New Zealand A in a strong position. Supported by Devdutt Padikkal’s fluent 80, India A reached 291/7 at stumps in Christchurch on Saturday.
Jurel remained unbeaten on 99 off 155 deliveries, while Akash Deep was batting on 25 at the other end. The pair added an important 69 runs for the eighth wicket, negotiating 18.4 overs and preventing New Zealand A from gaining complete control after a dramatic phase in the afternoon session.
India A began confidently despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early. The left-handed opener was trapped leg-before by Fraser Sheat on the fourth ball of the opening over. However, Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan steadied the innings, taking the visitors to 87/1 at lunch.
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Sudharsan departed shortly after the break for 41, edging an away-going delivery from Jarrod McKay to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. Padikkal continued to look comfortable at the crease and brought up his half-century from 101 balls with a well-placed boundary through the point region.
At 131/2, India A appeared to be building a substantial partnership. However, New Zealand A struck back by claiming three wickets for just seven runs. Yash Rathod was caught behind off Brett Randell before Padikkal lost his stumps while attempting a cut against Sheat.
Ravichandran Smaran followed without scoring, trapped leg-before after leaving a delivery that moved back into him. Washington Sundar also failed to make a significant contribution, falling to Sheat’s bowling as the pacer continued to trouble the Indian batters.
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With India A struggling, Jurel took responsibility and found valuable support from Manav Suthar. The pair added 62 runs for the seventh wicket before Suthar departed for 22 during the final session.
Jurel then shifted gears after reaching his half-century off 93 balls. He attacked McKay with a sequence of boundaries, including two fours and a six, while also producing several impressive drives and pull shots. Akash Deep provided solid support, allowing Jurel to move within one run of a well-deserved century. India A will look to build on their recovery when play resumes on the second day.
