Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod rescued India A with centuries on the final day of the second unofficial Test in Christchurch on 3 November, forging an unbeaten 247-run third-wicket partnership to deny New Zealand A a victory and secure a draw. Jaiswal finished unbeaten on 155 and Rathod remained not out on 100 as India A closed their second innings at 282/2.

Early Collapse Sets the Stage

The day began under rain and drizzle that delayed the start, but once play resumed, New Zealand A struck swiftly to put India A under the cosh. Sai Sudharsan fell in the opening over, caught by Tim Robinson at leg gully off Jarrod McKay. Almost immediately, Brett Randell bowled Devdutt Padikkal for a first-ball duck with a delivery that moved back in sharply off the pitch. India A were suddenly 35/2, facing a 78-run first-innings deficit with the match on the line.

Jaiswal and Rathod Build the Rescue Act

Jaiswal, who had made only a duck in the first innings and came into the match in relatively lean form, responded with an innings of considerable composure and intent. He used his feet smartly against the spinners and found the boundary regularly — one of his standout moments being a slog-swept six off Dean Foxcroft. A brief interruption occurred when a bouncer from McKay struck his helmet, requiring a concussion assessment; he passed it and continued without missing a beat. Jaiswal brought up his century from just 119 deliveries, again clearing the ropes with a slog-sweep over cow corner, and finished with 15 fours and five sixes.

Rathod, who had contributed only 13 runs in the first innings, showed equal resolve. He reached his half-century from 63 balls and accelerated steadily through the afternoon. He returned after Tea on 95 and needed just four deliveries to complete his 11th first-class century. The teams called a halt to proceedings shortly after, four deliveries after Rathod reached three figures.

New Zealand A's Depleted Attack

India A's task was aided by New Zealand A's depleted bowling resources. Fraser Sheat was sidelined with a side strain and Jayden Lennox was unavailable due to a hamstring injury, leaving the hosts short-handed. The pair added 237 runs across the 40 overs between the resumption of play and the Tea interval — a partnership that not only erased the deficit but put the match well beyond New Zealand A's reach.

First Innings Context

The draw result came against the backdrop of New Zealand A's strong first-innings showing. They had posted 424 in reply to India A's 346, establishing a 78-run lead. Matthew Boyle top-scored with 110 and Dean Foxcroft contributed 93. For India A, Mukesh Kumar was the standout bowler with 5 for 87, while Mohammed Siraj claimed 4 for 118. India A's first innings had been anchored by Dhruv Jurel, who scored 105.

Brief Scores

India A 346 & 282/2 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 155*, Yash Rathod 100*; Brett Randell 1-62, Jarrod McKay 1-35) drew with New Zealand A 424 (Matthew Boyle 110, Dean Foxcroft 93; Mukesh Kumar 5-87, Mohammed Siraj 4-118). With the series concluded, attention turns to how players like Jaiswal and Siraj carry this form into upcoming senior assignments.