Yashasvi Jaiswal's Century Puts India A In Command Against New Zealand A

Yashasvi Jaiswal struck an intent-filled century, his second successive first-class hundred, to steer India A to 227/2 at stumps on Day 1 of the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A on Saturday. Jaiswal (102 off 138 balls), whose form had come under scrutiny after the opening red-ball game of the tour, has rediscovered his rhythm just ahead of India's two-Test series against New Zealand, which begins on November 19. Play was called off after rain interrupted proceedings at Bert Sutcliffe Oval during the 70th over of the day. Although the pitch had a green tinge, the Indian batters made the most of the conditions. Sai Sudharsan was unbeaten on 77 off 205 balls, while captain Dhruv Jurel remained not out on 12 off 24 deliveries when stumps were drawn.

The match has added significance with the presence of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna, who are using the game as preparation for the upcoming Test series.

The day belonged to Jaiswal, who batted positively against the New Zealand A pacers and played an array of attractive strokes, including cuts, pulls and cover drives.

The left-hander reached his half-century with a classic cover drive off seamer Brett Randell. He was particularly severe on Jarrod McKay, hitting him for three consecutive boundaries on two separate occasions. A dropped catch when Jaiswal was on 54 further added to New Zealand A's frustrations.

Jaiswal also cleared the ropes twice during his entertaining innings, including a towering six over mid-on off Zak Gibson.

He moved into the 90s with a crisp cut shot off Cameron Paul before bringing up his century with a sweep shot off off-spinner Dean Foxcroft in the 44th over.

However, he was dismissed soon after, guiding a full delivery from Danru Ferns straight to the fielder at mid-off.

McKay then accounted for the in-form Devdutt Padikkal in the 63rd over. Padikkal attempted an expansive drive but could only edge the ball behind to the wicketkeeper.

Sudharsan continued to bat confidently before rain brought an early end to the day's play. His innings featured several well-controlled pull shots and elegant cover drives.

The first two matches of the series ended in draws.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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