Devdutt Padikkal fell one run short of a double-century but put India A firmly in control with a superb 199 on the third day of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Monday.
His innings helped India A build a lead of 284 runs, putting them in a strong position to push for victory after a difficult start to the match.
Padikkal resumed on 56 alongside Sai Sudharsan, who was unbeaten on 39, and the pair quickly took charge of the innings. Sudharsan reached his half-century while Padikkal continued to score at a brisk pace, capitalising on a New Zealand A attack that struggled to contain the scoring.
Simon Keene, who took five wickets in the first innings, was unavailable after picking up an injury.
Padikkal brought up his 12th first-class century in style, hitting Jayden Lennox for a six. The partnership continued past 200 as India A moved ahead, but New Zealand A found a breakthrough when Sudharsan top-edged a short delivery to a fielder behind square. He departed for 91, and captain Dhruv Jurel fell for just two shortly after lunch.
Padikkal remained in control, finding support from Yash Rathod. The left-handers targeted Lennox before the second new ball became available, collecting boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving. Rathod then took on Kristian Clarke, striking two fours and a six on his way to a 54-ball half-century. Padikkal, meanwhile, moved past 150 as India A strengthened their position.
The day’s biggest talking point came when Padikkal was given out caught behind down the leg side for 199. The batter appeared to question the decision, gesturing towards the umpire over the apparent gap between his bat and the ball.
Rathod was dismissed soon after tea, but India A’s lower order continued to frustrate the hosts. Anshul Kamboj struck four boundaries before falling for 22, while Washington Sundar and Auqib Nabi added 69 runs for the next wicket. Nabi made 38, including three fours and two sixes, before departing. Sundar remained unbeaten on 51 when fading light brought an early end to the day, nine minutes into the extended playing period.
With a 284-run lead, India A must now decide whether to declare overnight and give themselves three full sessions to bowl out New Zealand A on the final day.