Auqib Nabi produced a sensational spell with the new ball, but fading light denied India A a remarkable comeback victory as the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A ended in a draw on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 313 runs after India A declared their second innings at 516, the hosts struggled against Nabi’s movement and were reduced to 187/9 before the umpires called off play due to poor light. Nabi finished with impressive figures of 3/28 in 10 overs, giving India A hope of snatching victory after conceding a 204-run first-innings lead. Despite 17 overs remaining in the day's play, the weather conditions failed to improve, forcing both teams to settle for a draw. The second unofficial Test is scheduled to begin on October 31 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Nabi made an immediate impact, dismissing New Zealand A captain Rhys Mariu, Tim Robinson and Matthew Boyle with three superb deliveries that swung back into the batters. The hosts were left reeling at 14/3 before Curtis Heaphy and Dean Foxcroft steadied the innings with a 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Heaphy remained unbeaten on 90, while Foxcroft contributed 42 before Mukesh Choudhary dismissed him with a short delivery. Devdutt Padikkal then chipped in with two wickets using his off-spin, while Akash Deep removed Simon Keene to leave New Zealand A struggling at 170/9. After India were dismissed for just 113 in their first innings, Padikkal responded with a magnificent 199 in the second innings, helping his side recover from a 204-run deficit. Sai Sudharsan scored 91, while Yash Rathod contributed 66 and Washington Sundar added 52.
Akash Deep also provided late fireworks, smashing three sixes in his 25 off 17 balls as India A crossed the 500-run mark to set a challenging target. However, senior players KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal endured difficult outings, scoring 0 and 4, and 17 and 5, respectively, while India A captain Dhruv Jurel managed just 1 and 2. Rathod’s composed performances of 44 and 66 were another encouraging sign ahead of the senior team's two-match Test series against New Zealand, beginning on November 19. The second unofficial Test in Christchurch will offer India's fringe players another opportunity to strengthen their claims for higher honours.