Jaiswal's unbeaten 155 powers India A to draw against New Zealand A

India A opener Yashasvi Jaiswal produced a magnificent unbeaten century to help his side secure a draw against New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Tuesday.

Jaiswal smashed 155 not out off 162 deliveries, including 15 fours and five sixes, as India A recovered from a first-innings deficit to finish the fourth day at 282/2 in 52.4 overs. He was well supported by Yash Rathod, who scored an unbeaten 100 off 122 balls.

The pair stitched together an outstanding unbroken 247-run partnership for the third wicket, ensuring India A erased New Zealand A's 78-run first-innings advantage. Both teams subsequently agreed to a draw, with the visitors finishing with an overall lead of 204 runs.

Jaiswal's innings was particularly significant after a difficult run of scores. He had managed just 17 and five in the first unofficial Test before being dismissed for a duck in India's first innings of this match. However, he responded emphatically, reaching his century off 119 deliveries before accelerating to 155.

Earlier, India A were bowled out for 346 in their first innings. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel top-scored with 105 off 171 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed 80 off 140 deliveries and Akash Deep made 68 off 116 balls. Sai Sudharsan added 41.

For New Zealand A, Fraser Sheat claimed four wickets for 63 runs, while Brett Randell took two for 66.

The hosts responded with 424 runs, securing a 78-run lead. Matthew Boyle scored 110 off 152 balls, while Dean Foxcroft narrowly missed a century with 93 off 226 deliveries. Kristian Clarke (41), Fraser Sheat (40) and Jarrod McKay (33) also made useful contributions.

Among India's bowlers, Mukesh Kumar was the standout performer with 5/87 in 29 overs, while Mohammed Siraj claimed four wickets for 118 runs. Washington Sundar picked up the remaining wicket.

Jaiswal's impressive comeback and Rathod's century provided a strong finish for India A in the drawn contest.