Sourav fails, India A shot out for 100

Fulton’s gamble paid off after the hosts were dismissed for just 100 in 58.2 overs, with the last wicket falling 38 minutes before the close of play. The result enabled the visitors to draw the series 1-1.

India A got off to a forgettable start and were reeling at 25 for five in just 14 overs. Barring opener Sahil Kukreja (31), the other batsmen got out cheaply. If not for a 22-run last wicket partnership between Pradeep Sangwan (11) and Ashok Dinda (10 n.o.), the Indian total would not have reached the three figure mark. Earlier New Zealand, who had taken a first innings lead of 39, declared their second innings after adding 87 runs for the loss of four wickets to their overnight score of 107.

Greg Hay (23) and James Marshall (43) were dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina respectively. BJ Watling (34 not out) continued to score but wickets fell at the other end. Leg spinner Amit Mishra continued with his good showing adding two more wickets to his tally, for a match tally of nine wickets.

With runs hard to come by, the target was never easy and Kiwi medium pacers Ian O’Brien (3/30) and Bradely Scott (2/5) and spinners Nathan McCullum (2/33) and Aaron Redmond (2/25) did a commendable job with some tight bowling.

Ganguly came in at number four with the side struggling at two for one in the third over, but was soon back, caught by BJ Watling at gully off the first ball of Bradely Scott’s first over.

Brief scores: New Zealand A 315 and 194 for 7 (Marshall 43, Guptil 41) beat India A 276 (M Vijay 98, Pujara 80, Redmond 4-30) and 100 (O-Brien 3-30) by 133 runs.