Yashasvi Jaiswal returned strongly with an unbeaten 155 off 162 balls in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. It was his knock on the fourth and final day (November 3, 2026) that helped India A draw the match.
Jaiswal was key as he had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings. Left-handed opener came out with an attacking century and showed confidence and control against New Zealand A bowling attack.
Jaiswal Leads India's Second-Innings Fightback
India A started the second innings 78 runs adrift after New Zealand A had taken a first innings lead. The visitors had made 346 in their first innings and New Zealand A replied with 424.
India A started their second innings positively but lost two quick wickets after resuming on the fourth day. Sai Sudharsan was caught for 11 while Devdutt Padikkal did not score at all. The team were 35 for two and New Zealand A had an opportunity to apply pressure on the visitors.
Jaiswal then took control of the innings. He didn’t let early wickets get in his way; he attacked and moved the scoreboard along. He reached his century off only 119 balls giving India A the momentum they needed.
Unbeaten 247-Run Partnership With Yash Rathod
Jaiswal had an excellent partner in Yash Rathod (who also produced a memorable performance). The two left-handers put on unbeaten 247 for the third wicket to take the game away from New Zealand A.
Jaiswal was unbeaten on 155 off 162 balls with 15 fours and five sixes. Rathod chipped in with an unbeaten 100 off 122 balls (nine boundaries).
Their partnership turned India’s position from 35 for two into a massive second innings total. The batters attacked the bowlers whenever they came out and scored at a steady rate throughout the session.
India A Finish at 282 for Two as Match Ends in Draw
India A declared their second innings on 282 for two and had a lead of 204 runs overall. The match was heading towards a draw and rain had washed out the final day so both sides shook hands.
The result meant India A couldn’t get a win but Jaiswal and Rathod’s batting was the biggest positive from the match.
Important Comeback Ahead of India's Test Assignment
Jaiswal’s innings will be good news for India team management as the batter looks to get back into form in red-ball cricket. His first innings duck had raised concerns after a difficult run of scores during the tour.
But the unbeaten 155 showed he could respond under pressure and build an innings. It also gave him time in the middle before India’s international Test assignment next week.
The second unofficial Test ended in a draw but Jaiswal’s return to form was one of the talking points. His partnership with Rathod also showed how much India A have batting depth.
The third and final unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A will begin on November 7, 2026 at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.
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