India A dominate New Zealand A as Prasidh Krishna strikes on return

India A took complete control of the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A after three middle-order half-centuries powered them to 464 for five. Prasidh Krishna then struck twice on his return from injury.Prasidh Krishna returned from injury with a bang, claiming two wickets. (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Nov 8, 2026 13:03 ISTIndia A tightened their grip on the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A, building a massive first-innings lead of 428 runs after another commanding day with the bat and ball. Dhruv Jurel, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar struck half-centuries before Prasidh Krishna made an immediate impact on his return from injury.The visitors had ended the rain-shortened opening day at 227 for two, riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's second successive century on the tour. Jaiswal followed his unbeaten 155 in the previous match with a 102, while B Sai Sudharsan was unbeaten on 77. The pair had put on 175 for the opening wicket, giving India A a strong platform.Resuming on Sunday, Sudharsan added 11 runs to his overnight score before being bowled by Zak Gibson for 88. Jurel then took charge, scoring 71 off 95 deliveries, with nine fours and two sixes. He brought up his half-century off 75 balls before Cameron Paul ended his stay.Tilak, playing as a back-up option in the absence of Rishabh Pant, added 44 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, who made 25. After Jadeja's dismissal, Washington joined Tilak and the pair put together an unbeaten 114-run stand for the sixth wicket to take India A beyond the 450-run mark. Tilak remained unbeaten on 81 off 131 balls, while Washington made 50 from 107 deliveries. India A declared at 464 for five after 146 overs, stretching their advantage to a substantial 428 runs.PRASIDH MAKES HIS RETURN COUNTThe focus then shifted to India's pace attack, with Prasidh returning after recovering from a left hamstring injury. The fast bowler struck twice in his opening spell, dismissing Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy to leave New Zealand A struggling at 36 for two. Jasprit Bumrah, who is also featuring in the final India A fixture as part of his preparation for the upcoming Test series, bowled a tidy spell of 0/11. At stumps, Dean Foxcroft was unbeaten on 10 alongside Zak Gibson on one, with New Zealand A still trailing by 428 runs.The first two matches of the series ended in draws, but India A are now firmly in control of the final fixture.- Ends