Devdutt Padikkal was left visibly unhappy after an umpire's decision denied him a chance to complete a double century, dismissing the India A batter for 199 on the third day of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A.

Padikkal was adjudged caught behind down the leg side off medium pacer Zak Gibson, bringing an end to a superb innings that had put India A in control of the contest. The left-hander appeared stunned when the umpire raised his finger and gestured animatedly to indicate that he had not edged the ball.

After standing his ground briefly, Padikkal eventually walked back to the pavilion, just one run short of a double hundred. With no Decision Review System (DRS) or snickometer available, he had no way to challenge the decision.

Padikkal struck 23 boundaries and three sixes in his 248-ball knock, helping India A recover from their disastrous first innings to reach 488 for eight in their second innings. India A had been bowled out for just 113 on the opening day, conceding a lead of more than 200 runs to New Zealand A.

By stumps on the third day, India A had turned the match around and built a lead of 288 runs, leaving themselves in a strong position heading into the final day.

PADIKKAL MAKES HIS CASE

The innings could hardly have come at a better time for Padikkal, who is firmly in the conversation for India's No. 3 spot ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. He had already strengthened his case with back-to-back Test centuries in Sri Lanka, and his latest performance offered another reminder of his ability to bat for long periods.

India's team management had also wanted to assess Sai Sudharsan, who returned to action after recovering from injury. Sudharsan made an impressive 91, with the pair adding 210 runs for the third wicket.

The left-hander struck 12 boundaries in his 184-ball innings, but Padikkal appeared more assured in his shot selection and control as the partnership developed.

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Conditions also became easier for batting as the pitch flattened out on the third day, with less movement and lower bounce. Padikkal handled the short ball confidently and used his feet well against left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox, hitting two of his three sixes off the spinner.

His first six off Lennox, struck down the ground, brought up his century. He later cleared long-on before pulling Fraser Sheat over square leg for another maximum.

After Sudharsan fell short of a hundred, Padikkal found further support in Yash Rathod, who scored 66 off 72 balls. The pair added 142 runs, pushing India A towards a commanding position.

LOWER ORDER ADDS TO LEAD

Once Padikkal and Rathod departed, Washington Sundar took charge of the lower order. His unbeaten 51, alongside contributions from Anshul Kamboj (23) and Auqib Nabi (38), helped India A stretch their lead further.

Kamboj and Sundar added 41 runs before Nabi joined the all-rounder for another 69-run stand.

While Padikkal missed out on a landmark double century, his innings has given the selectors plenty to consider ahead of the New Zealand Test series. The controversial dismissal may have ended his knock on 199, but his performance has strengthened his claim for a place in India's middle order.

- Ends