Jaiswal's 102 puts India A in command vs NZ A in 3rd unofficial Test
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a commanding 102 off 127 balls — his second consecutive century in the series — to steer India A into a dominant position against New Zealand A on the opening day of the third unofficial Test at Lincoln on 7 November 2026. Sai Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 77 as the visitors closed the rain-curtailed day at 227/2.
Jaiswal and Sudharsan Set the Foundation
Jaiswal and Sudharsan assembled a fluent 175-run opening partnership, patiently negotiating the initial movement from the New Zealand A pacers before steadily seizing control. India A were sent in after losing the toss, but the conditions did little to trouble the openers. The pair went into the lunch interval with the scorecard unblemished, negotiating the early challenge with discipline.
Jaiswal was the more aggressive of the two, frequently advancing down the pitch to nullify movement. Sudharsan, the Tamil Nadu batter, complemented him with patience and disciplined shot selection, reaching his own half-century off 129 deliveries.
Jaiswal's Dominant Hundred
The left-handed opener had reached 54 when Matthew Boyle grassed a slip catch — a moment that proved decisive. Jaiswal immediately capitalised, collecting three successive boundaries before clearing the rope against Zak Gibson. He went on to reach his century in emphatic fashion, bringing up three figures off exactly 127 balls with back-to-back boundaries.
Jaiswal also required attention from the physio after reportedly experiencing cramps during his innings. His stay ended shortly after the milestone when he chipped a delivery towards mid-off for 102. The knock was his second century in as many games, having remained unbeaten on 155 in the previous unofficial Test in Christchurch.
Late Wickets and Rain Intervention
Devdutt Padikkal struggled to replicate the momentum after Jaiswal's departure, eventually falling for 15 after edging an expansive drive off Jarrod McKay behind the wicket. Captain Dhruv Jurel added a boundary before persistent rain forced the players off the field shortly after the drinks break, ending the day's play prematurely.
For New Zealand A, Danru Ferns was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 1/16 from 10 overs. McKay picked up the other wicket, conceding 45 runs.
Test Series Context and Squad Strength
This come amid active preparation for the upcoming full Test series against New Zealand beginning on 19 November. India A's squad for this unofficial fixture was notably bolstered by the inclusion of frontline Test stars Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Prasidh Krishna, underlining the gravity of the preparatory exercise.
India A resume their innings at 227/2 on Day 2, with Sudharsan unbeaten on 77 and Jurel at the crease on 4. With the top order having already done the hard work, the visitors will look to push towards a substantial first-innings total when play resumes.
Brief Scores: India A 227/2 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 102, Sai Sudharsan 77*; Danru Ferns 1/16, Jarrod McKay 1/45) vs New Zealand A.