India A vs New Zealand A 2nd unofficial Test: Preview, squads, live streaming info — all you need to know

Find out all you need to know about the second unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A set to be played in Christchurch.

Updated : Oct 30, 2026 16:43 IST , Chennai - 3 MINS READ

FILE PHOTO: Mohammed Siraj has been added to the India A squad for the 2nd unofficial Test in Christchurch. | Photo Credit: RITURAJ KONWAR

PREVIEW

Devdutt Padikkal’s red-hot form and the arrival of experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj will headline India A’s campaign as it takes on New Zealand A in the second unofficial four-day Test beginning in Christchurch on Saturday.

Padikkal has arguably been the biggest positive for India A so far, producing a remarkable fightback in the opening match. After India A were bundled out for just 113 in 39.3 overs in their first innings, the stylish left-hander struck a magnificent 199 to help the visitors post 516 in the second innings and set New Zealand A a target of 313. He also picked up two wickets with his off-spin.

Yash Rathod was another notable performer, scoring 44 and 66, but India’s top-order concerns remain. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had a disappointing outing with scores of 17 and five, while KL Rahul managed just zero and four. Rahul will now link up with the ODI squad and miss the second match.

Rahul’s replacement, 21-year-old Jharkhand left-handed batter Shikhar Mohan, will get an opportunity to make an impression after an impressive Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season in which he scored 613 runs, including a double century.

Among the bowlers, Auqib Nabi has led the attack with six wickets, three in each innings. Nabi and Anshul Kamboj claimed three wickets apiece in the first innings, while Akash Deep, who is part of India’s Test squad, also picked up three wickets.

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Siraj’s addition will further strengthen the pace attack as he looks to build match rhythm and increase his red-ball workload before combining with Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming World Test Championship series.

Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant are likely to feature in the third unofficial Test in Lincoln, which will also see the return of Nitish Kumar Reddy, making the second match a final chance for some players trying to make an impression before the established stars return.

SQUADS:

India A: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Yash Rathod, R. Smaran, Dhruv Jurel (C) (WK), Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Shikhar Mohan, Mukesh Choudhary, Mukesh Kumar, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra (WK).

New Zealand A: Rhys Mariu (C), Matt Boyle, Max Chu, Kristian Clarke, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Mitch Hay (WK), Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Jayden Lennox, Jarrod McKay, Tim Robinson, Fraser Sheat.

LIVE STREAMING INFO

When will the India A vs New Zealand A 2nd unofficial Test match start?

The India A vs New Zealand A 2nd unofficial Test match is scheduled to start at 3:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, October 31.

Where will the India A vs New Zealand A 2nd unofficial match be played?

The India A vs New Zealand A 2nd unofficial Test match will be played at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Where to watch the India A vs New Zealand A 2nd unofficial Test match?

The match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network. It will also be livestreamed on the SonyLiv app and website.