Last Updated on 6 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey

In Lincoln, India A put up a fine batting show on the third day of the first four-day game against New Zealand A.

India A were bowled out for only 113 in the first innings and hit back with a brilliant 199 from Devdutt Padikkal. Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod, and Washington Sundar also made useful contributions with half-centuries for India as they finished day three on 488/8, leading by 284 runs.

Devdutt Padikkal leads strong recovery for India A

India A started the day at 106 for 2, still 98 runs behind New Zealand A. Padikkal, who was 56 not out overnight, and Sai Sudharsan put up a massive partnership.

The pair put on 215 runs before Sai Sudharsan was bowled out for 91. Sudharsan tried to pull a Kristan Clarke delivery but only found the fielder at square leg. Dhruv Jurel did not add much to his score, getting out after adding just two runs but Yash Rathod was another steady partner for Padikkal.

Rathod and Padikkal combined for 142 runs at almost a run a ball. The middle-order batsmen were getting on top of the scoring rate as India A looked to build a big lead and give their bowlers enough time to try and push for a result.

Padikkal’s impressive innings was cut short disappointingly when he edged a Zak Gibson delivery down the leg side. Mitchell Hay took the catch behind the stumps, Padikkal at first looked like he didn’t want to go after the umpire raised his finger.

The left-hander had walked in with India A struggling at 10 for 2 and had rebuilt the innings nicely. He reached his hundred off 128 balls, bringing the landmark up with a six off Jayden Lennox. Padikkal took another 76 balls to go from 100 to 150 and he upped the ante again to finish with 199 off 248 balls, which included 24 fours and three sixes.

Rathod was unbeaten on 44 in the first innings and carried on his good work with 66 in the second. He played a cut off Dean Foxcroft and was caught behind the wickets by Hay.

India A were 488 for 8 at stumps with Washington still at the crease along with Akash Deep. The visitors will aim to push their lead beyond 300 on the fourth morning before deciding when to declare and put New Zealand A under pressure.