Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod scored centuries as India A played out a draw against New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The visitors finished their second innings at 282/2 on Day 4, building a lead of 204 runs before both teams decided to shake hands.Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 155 off 162 balls, while Rathod scored an unbeaten 100 off 122 deliveries. The two left-handers shared an unbeaten 247-run partnership for the third wicket to put India A in a strong position.India A were waiting for Rathod to complete his century before the match was called off. He reached the landmark with a couple off Rhys Mariu, prompting celebrations before players from both teams shook hands.The match also saw more than 90 minutes of play lost due to rain on the final day.
Jaiswal, Rathod lead India A’s fightback
India A began Day 4 at 32/0 after safely negotiating the final 11 overs on the previous evening. However, the visitors suffered two quick blows after play resumed.Jarrod McKay dismissed Sai Sudharsan for 11, while Brett Randell removed Devdutt Padikkal for a duck in the next over. India A were reduced to 35/2 and needed a strong partnership to recover.Jaiswal took charge and attacked the New Zealand A bowlers. He found boundaries regularly and brought up his century off just 119 balls. Rathod provided excellent support at the other end and gradually increased his scoring rate. The pair did not allow the bowlers to settle and added 247 runs without being separated.Jaiswal finished with 15 fours and five sixes, while Rathod struck nine boundaries in his unbeaten knock.Rathod’s century was particularly satisfying after he failed to make a big contribution in the first innings. He had also scored 44 not out and 66 in the previous match.The third and final unoffical Test will be played on November 7 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.
