Nayar, Zol slam centuries in drab draw against New Zealand A

Vijay Zol – File Photo

India A captain Abhishek Nayar (102 not out) and Vijay Zol (110) scored impressive centuries to help India score 388 for seven against New Zealand A here Friday but with the first day’s play being washed out, the three-day unofficial Test ended in a drab draw.

India A lost rising star Unmukt Chand Thursday, just before the end of the day’s play.

Jiwanjot Singh (48) and nightwatchman Sarabjit Ladda (15) started the final day brightly but after a brave stint at the crease, Ladda lost his wicket to Todd Astle, who was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand with figures of 3/106.

After Ladda’s fall it was all India as the hosts piled on the runs. Zol and Jiwanjot added 77 runs for the third wicket before Zol added another 97 runs with Manprit Juneja (43), who played an aggressive innings.

Zol and Nayar frustrated the Kiwis further with the two combine piling 60 runs in 7.1 overs for the fifth wicket.

There was some joy for the visitors as they picked up two late wickets but by that time the damage had already been done and the Indians managed to take a lead of 78 runs.

Earlier, the first day saw the rain gods playing spoilsport as not even a single ball was bowled.

On the second day, Thursday, the Indians came out fighting and managed to restrict New Zealand to 106 for six. However, former Australian wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi (125) came to the rescue of his adopted nation and along with Astle took New Zealand A to 310 all out.

Spinner Jalaj Saxena had an impressive outing picking up six wickets for 106 runs with Rakesh Dhruv and Dhawal Kulkarni chipping in with two wickets and one respectively.