After losing day one to rain, New Zealand A ‘s match against India A in Visakhapatnam has predictably ended in a draw.
In response to New Zealand’s first innings total of 310, two Indian batsmen made centuries to build a 78-run lead for their side before the match finished with them at 388 for seven after 93.5 overs.
With New Zealand bowlers needing to create a collapse early for any chance of a result, India’s Vijay Zol (110) and Abhishek Nayar (102 not out) quickly put that idea to rest. Todd Astle finished as the leading wicket-taker with figures of three for 106 off 18 overs.
Having resumed at six for one from overnight, the Indian top order put in a composed performance, with no two wickets falling in close proximity. Zol established himself at the crease quickly and hit 19 fours in his 153 ball knock.
India lost none of its control when he departed in the 65 over, with captain Nayar continuing to frustrate the New Zealand bowlers. He brought up his ton just before the end of play, using 110 balls in the process.
Spin was the key for New Zealand and accordingly Astle and Ish Sodhi were the most used bowlers. Sodhi finished with figures of two for 100 from 23.5 overs, while Doug Bracewell and Carl Cachopa picked up a wicket apiece.
Coach Grant Bradburn said after the match: “There were a lot of positives for us in the two days that we got. Was a little disappointing to miss day one through the monsoon rains, but to get two valuable days of cricket was excellent for us.
“Todd and Ish Sodhi bowled very well today and Todd picked up some great scalps in his three wickets. It was tough conditions on a pretty flat wicket, but to spend a day in the field will have been hugely beneficial for us.
“We’ll look at our own performance and make sure we are adjusting and assessing the conditions and adapting our skills accordingly to what we’re facing here.”
New Zealand A next play India A in a four day match beginning Monday at 9:30am local time (NZ 4pm).
