India A declared at 464 for 5 in 146 overs on Day 2 of the third and final unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln, on Sunday, 8 November. The match is part of India's preparation for the two-Test series against New Zealand, which begins on 19 November in Wellington.

New Zealand A won the toss and elected to bowl, and the first two matches of the series were drawn. The third match runs from 7 to 10 November, and India A have used it to give their Test regulars match practice.

Day 1 ended with India A on 227 for 2 in 62 overs, after rain ended play early in the 70th over. The opening pair had put India in a strong position, and Day 2 continued in the same vein.

Jaiswal's second consecutive hundred

Yashasvi Jaiswal made 102 off 138 balls, with 16 fours and two sixes, reaching his century off 127 balls. It was his second consecutive first-class hundred, after his 155 not out at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, in the previous match.

Jaiswal received medical attention for cramps after reaching his century, but the innings was a statement of form ahead of the Test series. He looked comfortable against the new ball and played with authority through the off side.

Sai Sudharsan made 88 off 255 balls, resuming on 77 not out overnight. The two openers put on 175 runs for the first wicket, setting the platform for the rest of the innings.

Jurel's fluent 71

Dhruv Jurel made 71 off 95 balls, with nine fours and two sixes, adding impetus in the middle order. Devdutt Padikkal made 15, while Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 81 off 164 balls, and Ravindra Jadeja made 25 off 71 balls.

Washington Sundar was unbeaten on 50 off 107 balls. Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 81 off 164 balls, and the pair added 114 runs for the sixth wicket. Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar and Mukesh Choudhary did not bat.

The bowling

Danru Ferns took 1 for 20, Zak Gibson took 2 for 73, Jarrod McKay took 1 for 45, Cameron Paul took 1 for 84, Brett Randell took 0 for 45, and Dean Foxcroft took 0 for 95. The New Zealand A bowlers toiled on a flat pitch, with the seamers getting some early movement but little reward.

The pitch at Bert Sutcliffe Oval has been good for batting, with the ball coming on to the bat. India A's batters have made the most of the conditions, and the team will be looking to bat once and put pressure on the hosts.

Eight Test regulars in the side

Eight India Test regulars are playing in this match, including Jaiswal, Sudharsan, Jurel, Jadeja, Bumrah and Washington Sundar. The match is a key part of India's preparation for the two-Test series against New Zealand, which begins on 19 November at Basin Reserve, Wellington, with the second Test from 27 November to 1 December in Christchurch.

The first two unofficial Tests were drawn, and India A will be looking to win this one and carry momentum into the Test series. The batting has been the strength so far, with Jaiswal and Sudharsan both in good form.

Day 2 continues

India A declared at 464 for 5 in 146 overs, and New Zealand A were 34 for 2 in 12.3 overs in reply, trailing by 430 runs. Prasidh Krishna took both wickets, dismissing Rhys Mariu for 0 and Curtis Heaphy for 19, while Dean Foxcroft was unbeaten on 8 and Zak Gibson on 1.

The match is being played in good conditions, with the sun shining and the pitch offering little to the bowlers. India A's dominance with the bat has been the story of the match so far, and the team will be hoping to convert it into a win.