India A endured a disappointing opening day in the first four-day fixture against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Saturday, getting bowled out for just 113 runs. In reply, New Zealand A reached 135/3 at stumps, taking a 22-run lead. Simon Keene and Zak Gibson were the standout performers with the ball, claiming eight wickets between them to dismantle India's batting line-up. Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy then gave the hosts a strong start with a 132-run opening partnership.
After being asked to bat first, India A suffered an early setback as KL Rahul was dismissed for a duck in just eight balls, edging Fraser Sheat behind the stumps. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal attempted to steady the innings with a 30-run partnership. However, Gibson dismissed Jaiswal for 17 before Keene struck twice in quick succession, removing B Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel. Padikkal top-scored with 32 runs, but his dismissal, followed by Washington Sundar's wicket, left India A struggling at 58/6. Keene continued to trouble the batters, while Kristian Clarke contributed by dismissing Anshul Kamboj. Yash Rathod provided some resistance towards the end, scoring an unbeaten-looking fighting 44 off 49 balls before the innings concluded at 113. He struck three fours and three sixes, scoring all 32 runs in the final-wicket partnership before Mukesh Choudhary was dismissed for a duck.
Keene finished with five wickets, while Gibson claimed three to leave India A with a disappointing first-innings total. New Zealand A responded confidently with the bat as openers Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy dominated the Indian bowling attack. Their 132-run partnership put the hosts in a commanding position before Mariu was dismissed for 76 off 137 deliveries by Mukesh Choudhary. Heaphy played a patient innings, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 108 balls at the close of play. However, Auqib Nabi provided India A with some late relief, taking two wickets in two consecutive deliveries to dismiss Jayden Lennox and Tim Robinson. Matthew Boyle joined Heaphy, and the pair guided New Zealand A through the final over. The hosts ended the day at 135/3, holding a 22-run lead.
India A will look to strike early on the second morning and restrict New Zealand A's advantage, while the hosts will aim to extend their lead and strengthen their grip on the match.