India A bowled out for 113 as New Zealand A take 22-run lead in first unofficial test

New Zealand A dominated the opening day of the first unofficial Test against India A, bowling out the visitors for 113 before reaching 135/3 at stumps to secure a 22-run lead at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on Saturday.

Simon Keene led the hosts' bowling attack with a five-wicket haul, while Zak Gibson claimed three wickets to expose India's batting struggles on a green-top surface. In reply, New Zealand A openers Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy put together a 132-run partnership to give their team a strong start.

However, India A fought back late in the day through Auqib Nabi, who struck twice in consecutive deliveries to reduce the hosts to 132/3. Heaphy remained unbeaten on 37, with Matthew Boyle not out on one as New Zealand A finished the day at 135/3 after 41 overs.

Simon Keene, Zak Gibson rattle India A batting line-up

Asked to bat first, India A endured a difficult start as KL Rahul was dismissed for a duck in the third over after facing eight deliveries.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal attempted to steady the innings, adding 30 runs for the second wicket. However, Gibson broke the partnership by having Jaiswal caught by Boyle for 17.

India A suffered another setback when Sai Sudharsan was bowled by Keene without scoring. Captain Dhruv Jurel also departed cheaply, making one before being caught by Mariu off Keene's bowling.

Padikkal tried to rebuild the innings alongside Yash Rathod, but Gibson dismissed the left-hander for 32, which included five boundaries. Gibson struck again in his next over, removing Washington Sundar for a duck leaving India A struggling at the crease.

Yash Rathod's 44 helps India A cross 100

As the wickets were falling at regular intervals, Rathod and Anshul Kamboj attempted to revive India's innings. Their partnership ended when Kristian Clarke dismissed Kamboj for 10.

Rathod continued to counter-attack with the lower order, striking boundaries to take India A past the 100-run mark. However, Keene returned to dismiss Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep and Mukesh Choudhary, completing his five-wicket haul as India A were bowled out for 113.

Rathod remained unbeaten on 44 off a fighting innings that included three fours and three sixes. Padikkal's 32 was the next-highest score for India A.

For New Zealand A, Keene finished with five wickets, while Gibson claimed three. Clarke and Fraser Sheat picked up one wicket each.

Rhys Mariu, Curtis Heaphy give New Zealand A strong start

New Zealand A responded confidently, with openers Mariu and Heaphy adding 132 runs for the first wicket to put the hosts in a commanding position.

Mariu was the first to depart after scoring 76 off 117 deliveries, including 12 boundaries, with Mukesh Choudhary breaking the opening stand in the 39th over.

Nabi then delivered a crucial double strike in the following over, dismissing Jayden Lennox and Tim Robinson off consecutive deliveries to give India A some momentum late in the day.

Despite the late wickets, New Zealand A finished the opening day at 135/3, holding a 22-run lead over India A. Heaphy was unbeaten on 37 as the hosts retained the advantage heading into the second day.

India A's New Zealand tour schedule

India A are scheduled to play three four-day unofficial Tests against New Zealand A. The second match will begin at Hagley Oval on October 31, while the third and final fixture is scheduled to take place in Lincoln from November 7.