Delhi:In the first unofficial test against New Zealand A, India A (IND-A vs NZ-A) made a brilliant comeback on the third day. Devdutt Padikkal took care of the Indian team which was in trouble at one time with his brilliant innings. This left-handed batsman scored 199 runs, but he remained just one run away from a double century. The manner of his dismissal also became a topic of discussion, as he was given out caught after a controversial decision.

Thanks to this innings of Padikkal and the contribution of lower order batsmen, India A has taken a lead of 284 runs in front of New Zealand A. Now on the last day of the match, the Indian team will have its eyes on victory.

Padikkal and Sai Sudarshan took over the innings

On the third day, when India A extended its innings, Padikkal was present at the crease after scoring 56 runs and Sai Sudarshan was present at the crease after scoring 39 runs. Both batted well from the beginning and did not give many chances to the New Zealand A bowlers.

Sudarshan kept one end in check, while Padikkal scored runs quickly. There was a big partnership between the two batsmen, which took India out of a difficult situation and gave them the lead. During this, Padikkal completed his 12th first class century by hitting a six off Jayden Lennox.

New Zealand also missed the injured Simon Keane. Keane, who took 5 wickets in the first innings, did not take the field on the third day due to injury. Indian batsmen took advantage of this and maintained the pace of scoring runs.

Sudarshan missed a century, Padikkal took charge

The partnership between Padikkal and Sudarshan had crossed 200 runs. Both the batsmen put the Indian team in a strong position, but New Zealand tried to make a comeback using short balls.

This strategy also paid off. While trying to play a big shot on the short ball, Sudarshan hit the top edge and was caught by the fielder standing behind the square. He was out after scoring 91 runs and could not complete his century.

Shortly after this, captain Dhruv Jurel also returned to the pavilion after scoring 2 runs. However, Padikkal continued scoring runs from one end. Yash Rathod also supported him well and the position of the Indian team became stronger again.

Padikkal got out after scoring 199 runs, questions raised on the decision

Even after completing 150 runs, Padikkal did not let his batting pace slow down. He was scoring runs easily and was moving towards a double century. Then a moment came in the innings, which caught everyone's attention.

Padikkal was caught out behind the wicket on the score of 199 runs. However, he did not seem to agree with this decision. Pointing towards the umpire, he pointed out the distance between the bat and the ball. In this way he remained just one run away from his double century.

Padikkal's innings was very important for India. Batting under pressure, he put the team in such a situation from where it would not be easy for New Zealand to make a comeback in the match.

Lower order also made important contribution

After Padikkal was out, Yash Rathore took the responsibility. He scored runs quickly by hitting two fours and a six in one over of Christian Clarke and completed his half-century in 54 balls. However, he was out in the first over after tea.

After this, the lower order batsmen troubled the New Zealand bowlers. Anshul Kamboj batted slowly in the beginning, but later hit four fours. He was out after scoring 22 runs.

Washington Sundar also batted well. He made a partnership of 69 runs with Auqib Nabi. Nabi scored 38 runs, which included three fours and two sixes. On the other hand, Sundar completed his half-century and remained unbeaten on 51 runs till the end of the day's play. Due to low light, the day's play had to be stopped nine minutes ahead of schedule.

India eyes victory on the last day

By the end of the third day's play, Team India's lead was 284 runs. Now the team management will have to decide on declaring the innings and giving enough time to New Zealand to bat.

If the Indian cricket team declares the innings on the night itself, then it will have three full sessions to take all the wickets of New Zealand on the last day. In such a situation, after Padikkal's brilliant innings of 199 runs, the Indian team would like to end this match with a win.