India-A vs New Zealand-A Test: lower order puts visitors in front
New Zealand-A took a 78-run first-innings lead on day four in Christchurch.
India-A made 346 before New Zealand-A replied with 424. Mohammed Siraj took four wickets and Mukesh Kumar five. India-A reached 32 without loss in their second innings.
Key takeaways
- New Zealand-A scored 424 after being 338 for eight
- India-A made 346 in the first innings
- Mohammed Siraj took four wickets for 118 runs
- Mukesh Kumar took five wickets for 87 runs
- India-A were 32 without loss in their second innings
New Zealand-A earned a 78-run first-innings lead on the penultimate day of the second ‘Test’ against India-A in Christchurch. The Hindu reported that New Zealand-A finished its first innings at 424 after replying to India-A’s score of 346.
The last two wickets added 86 runs, turning a position of 338 for eight into a handy lead for the hosts. Pacer Mohammed Siraj warmed up for the upcoming two-Test series with four wickets in 35 overs, taking four for 118.
Seamer Mukesh Kumar grabbed five for 87 in 29 overs to share the spoils. Kristian Clarke scored 41, Fraser Sheat made 40, Jayden Lennox contributed 32 and Jarrod McKay added 33 as New Zealand-A’s lower-order showed grit after the side was reduced to 291 for seven.
Boyle made 110 and Foxcroft scored 93 in the first innings. India-A were 32 for no loss in their second innings on day four.
Context and what happens next
The match is part of India-A’s preparation for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. The India cricket team is touring New Zealand from October to December 2026 to play two Tests, five One Day Internationals and five Twenty20 International matches.
The Test series forms part of the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle. In June 2026, New Zealand Cricket confirmed the fixtures for the tour as part of the 2026 home international season. This is the biggest bilateral series played between both nations.
New Zealand previously toured India in October and November 2024 to play three Test matches, which formed part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed those fixtures in June 2024 as part of the 2024–25 home international season. The second ‘Test’ remains in Christchurch, with India-A’s second innings still to unfold.
First innings summary
Team | Score |
|---|---|
India-A | 346 |
New Zealand-A | 424 |
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