IND A vs NZ A: India A Collapse for 113 as Simon Keene Runs Riot in First Unofficial Test

India A suffered a major batting collapse against New Zealand A in the first unofficial Test at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, getting bowled out for just 113 in 39.3 overs on Saturday, October 24. Simon Keene led the hosts' bowling attack with a five-wicket haul, while Zak Gibson claimed three wickets to put India A under immense pressure.

The visitors, featuring several players from India's senior Test setup, struggled to cope with New Zealand A's seam attack as wickets fell at regular intervals. The hosts won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends.

KL Rahul endured a disappointing outing, departing for a duck after facing just eight deliveries. Sai Sudharsan also failed to open his account, while captain and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel managed only one run. Washington Sundar, Akash Deep and Mukesh Choudhary were other batters dismissed without scoring, leaving India's innings severely compromised.

Devdutt Padikkal offered some resistance with a patient 32 off 77 balls, striking five boundaries. However, his dismissal to Gibson prevented India A from building a substantial partnership. The middle and lower order struggled to contribute as Keene repeatedly broke through the batting lineup.

Yash Rathod emerged as India's standout performer, remaining unbeaten on 44 off 49 deliveries. His aggressive innings included three fours and three sixes, providing the only significant counterattack amid the collapse. Anshul Kamboj added 10 runs, while Auqib Nabi scored five.

Keene's five-wicket haul and Gibson's three scalps ensured New Zealand A maintained control throughout the innings.

At the end of India's innings, New Zealand A had reached 49 without losing a wicket in 15 overs, reducing the deficit to 64 runs. The hosts were firmly placed to take a first-innings lead, with their openers making a steady start.

The collapse will be a concern for India A as the team looks to prepare its players for challenging overseas conditions ahead of India's upcoming Test assignments.