New Delhi: Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar shared nine wickets between them, but New Zealand A's lower-order resistance left India A with significant work to do on the third day of the second unofficial Test in Christchurch on Sunday.
Responding to India A's first-innings total of 346, New Zealand A were eventually bowled out for 424, securing a 78-run lead. India A reached 32 without loss at stumps, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 20 and Sai Sudharsan on 11. The team trailed by 46 runs heading into the final day, with a draw appearing to be the likeliest outcome on a pitch offering minimal assistance to bowlers.
Siraj finished with figures of four wickets for 118 runs from 35 overs, while Mukesh returned five for 87 in 29 overs. The two seamers accounted for all the wickets to fall as the visitors struggled to clean up the hosts' lower order. Their heavy workloads will provide valuable match practice ahead of India's upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, even though the home team's resilience prevented India A from building a commanding advantage.
New Zealand A resumed the day in a balanced position, but India A struck early. Siraj removed overnight centurion Matthew Boyle for 110, courtesy of a sharp catch by Devdutt Padikkal. The fast bowler also dismissed Dean Foxcroft for 93, breaking a partnership that had anchored the hosts' innings. India A continued to apply pressure, reducing New Zealand A to 291/7.
Despite the breakthrough, the home side's lower order mounted a strong recovery. Kristian Clarke and Fraser Sheat forged a 47-run stand for the eighth wicket before Mukesh broke the partnership by dismissing Clarke. Sheat then combined with Jayden Lennox to add 31 more runs for the ninth wicket.
Mukesh eventually removed both Sheat and Lennox to complete his five-wicket haul, marking the 12th time he has achieved the milestone in first-class cricket. However, the final pair of Jarrod McKay and Lennox frustrated the bowling attack further, adding 55 runs in nearly 25 overs during the final session. Their stubborn stand spanned over an hour and pushed New Zealand A's lead to 78.
Facing 11 overs before the close of play, India A negotiated the tricky period without losing a wicket. Jaiswal and Sudharsan batted with composure against the new ball, reducing the deficit to 46 runs.
With batting conditions remaining favorable and the pitch offering very little lateral movement for bowlers, India A will aim to accumulate quick runs on the final day, though time constraints and pitch behavior point heavily toward a drawn finish.