New Zealand vs India 2014: Practice match drawn after fifties from Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane

Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane scored fifties

The 2-day practice match between New Zealand XI and India ended in a draw on 2nd day after India declared their innings at 313/7, 51 runs ahead of the hosts.

Rohit Sharma (59) and Ajinkya Rahane (60) were among runs as both notched up crucial half-centuries ahead of the first Test against New Zealand starting February 6.

Ambati Rayudu (49 not out) and Ravichandran Ashwin (46) too contributed to India’s score, with Ashwin’s effort coming off just 51 deliveries.

Earlier in the day, openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay failed to make this opportunity count as both were dismissed cheaply. Vijay was bowled by pacer Ili Tugaga in only the 2nd over of the day. Dhawan, having struggled on this tour so far, was unlucky to be run-out after hitting a good shot through the covers.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who joined the squad recently as he wasn’t a part of the ODI side, scored 33 before being trapped in front of the wicket by Roald Badenhorst.

At 93/3, it wasn’t a great start for the Indians, but stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane then notched half-centuries to put India on a more firm footing. Rohit and Rahane then retired as India neared 200.

India got another setback when Wriddhiman Saha was bowled cheaply by off-spinner Jono Bould, Kiwi pacer Trent Boult’s brother.

Ravichandran Ashwin, in the company of Ambati Rayudu, then played a pacy knock of 46 off 51 deliveries and helped India reach near the 300-mark. Rayudu was on 49 not out, when India declared their innings close on 313/7. The match was called off soon afterwards.

Read the Day 1 report of the practice match here

Scores (courtesy New Zealand Cricket):