Jurel, Tilak shine as India A take massive 428-run lead against New Zealand A

India's Dhruv Jurel (PTI Photo)

India A tightened their grip on the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A after building a commanding 428-run lead on the second day, with Dhruv Jurel, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar scoring half-centuries on Sunday.Resuming their first innings at 227/2, the hosts continued to pile on the runs, reaching 464/5 before declaring after 146 overs. Jurel led the charge with a 71, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 81 and Washington finished on 50 not out.

Jurel, who had resumed on 12, shared a 31-run stand with Tilak before bringing up his half-century off 75 deliveries. He eventually departed for 71 from 95 balls, an innings featuring nine fours and two sixes, after being dismissed by Cameron Paul.Earlier, B Sai Sudharsan could add only 11 runs to his overnight score of 88 before Cameron Gibson bowled him. Tilak then combined with Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 25, for a 44-run partnership.The left-hander subsequently joined forces with Washington to put India A firmly in control. Their unbeaten 114-run stand took the hosts past the 450-run mark, with Tilak striking five fours and two sixes. Washington also found the boundary twice.

New Zealand A had a difficult start to their reply as Prasidh Krishna made an immediate impact on his return to the side following recovery from a left hamstring injury. The fast bowler dismissed openers Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy to leave the visitors at 36/2 at stumps.Dean Foxcroft was unbeaten on 10, while Zak Gibson was batting on one when play ended. New Zealand A still needed 428 runs to catch up with India's first-innings total.