Full Breakdown
India A’s dramatic comeback ends in a draw after Padikkal’s 199 and bad light
By Drooid · · How we work
Match Overview
On October 27, 2026, the first unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A concluded at Lincoln’s Bert Sutcliffe Oval with a draw. New Zealand A were 187/9 in their fourth-innings chase of a 313-run target when umpires halted play because of poor light. India A needed one more wicket for victory, but the conditions did not improve, and the match was called off.
Background & Context
The four-day encounter marked the opening fixture of the India A tour of New Zealand. India A suffered a first-innings collapse, being bowled out for 113 and conceding a 204-run lead after New Zealand A posted 317. The deficit set the stage for a remarkable recovery in the second innings.
Key Performances & Statistics
- Devdutt Padikkal scored 199 runs off 248 balls (24 fours, 3 sixes), sharing a 215-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan, who made 91.
- Additional contributions came from Yash Rathod (66), Washington Sundar (52), Auqib Nabi (38) and Akash Deep (25*). India A posted 516, establishing a target of 313.
- In New Zealand A’s chase, Curtis Heaphy remained unbeaten on 90 (187 balls) and, with Jayden Lennox, forged a 78-run stand for the fourth wicket.
- Bowling highlights for India A included Auqib Nabi (3 wickets), Padikkal (2 wickets – his first-class wickets), Mukesh Choudhary, Anshul Kamboj, Akash Deep and Washington Sundar, each taking one wicket.
Official Statements & Responses
India A captain Dhruv Jurel responded to the deteriorating light by deploying fast bowler Mukesh Choudhary to bowl spin, a tactical shift that allowed the side to continue seeking the final wicket. New Zealand A’s resilience, anchored by Heaphy’s unbeaten innings, was highlighted by team officials as a testament to the hosts’ lower-order depth.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously, there have been great players who have played at number three for India over the years, and I’m sure there’ll be a lot more scrutiny on me and a lot more comparisons made.” — Devdutt Padikkal, Indian Express interview
On-the-Ground Reports
The final session saw New Zealand A’s last-wicket pair withstand India A’s pressure for nearly ten overs before bad light forced a stoppage. Earlier, Auqib Nabi removed New Zealand A captain Rhys Mariu, Tim Robinson and Matthew Boyle within five overs, igniting India A’s bowling surge.
What’s Next
Ahead of the upcoming Test series, Padikkal is slated to bat at No. 3 for India, with his performance under scrutiny as the team prepares for conditions that favor seam bowling. The series will test his adaptability and the overall balance of the India A side following the dramatic draw.