After losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul early for the second time in the match, India A were struggling at 10 for 2. Padikkal and Sudharsan then showed patience and determination to take the score to 106 for 2 at stumps.

India A were bowled out for just 113 in their first innings. They still trail New Zealand A by 98 runs, with two days of play remaining.

Padikkal remained unbeaten on 56 off 89 balls, hitting nine boundaries. Sudharsan supported him well, scoring an unbeaten 39 off 104 balls, including five fours.

Batting at No. 3, Padikkal was also India A’s best-performing specialist batter in the first innings. He scored 32 off 77 balls and spent nearly two hours at the crease.

The pair will look to continue their partnership on Monday and help India A build a strong second-innings total. The visitors will also need contributions from skipper Dhruv Jurel, Yas Rathod and Washington Sundar to put pressure on the hosts.

Earlier, New Zealand A resumed the day at 135 for 3 and were bowled out for 317 in 89.3 overs, taking a first-innings lead of 204 runs.

Captain Rhys Mariu top-scored with a patient 76 off 137 balls, while Dean Foxcroft contributed 51. Opener Curtis Heaphy scored 44, Kristian Clarke made 42 and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay added 24.

India A’s bowlers struggled to maintain discipline and conceded 46 runs in extras.

Anshul Kamboj took 3 for 52, while Auqib Nabi claimed 3 for 69. Akash Deep picked up two wickets, while Mukesh Choudhary (1/67) and Washington Sundar (1/29) took one wicket each.