Devdutt Padikkal Falls One Run Short of Double Century as India A Stage Stunning Fightback Against New Zealand A
Devdutt Padikkal produced a sensational batting performance in windy Lincoln on Monday, October 26, scoring a magnificent 199 to put India A in a commanding position on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A.
Resuming the day unbeaten on 56, the left-handed batter continued his impressive run and came agonisingly close to a double century. However, his brilliant innings ended just one run short of the milestone when he edged a delivery from fast bowler Zak Gibson down the leg side, around 10 minutes before the Tea break. Padikkal appeared visibly frustrated with the decision and exchanged words with the umpire before leaving the field, gesturing that the ball had been nowhere near his bat.
Padikkal faced 248 deliveries, scoring 199 runs at a strike rate of 80.24. His innings featured 24 boundaries and three sixes, providing India A with the much-needed momentum after a difficult start to the match.
India A had struggled badly in their first innings, managing just 113 runs before New Zealand A responded with a total of 317. With the visitors facing a substantial deficit, a remarkable batting effort was required to bring them back into contention, and Padikkal rose to the occasion with an outstanding display of stroke-making.
He looked comfortable against New Zealand A’s pace attack, regularly driving the ball through the covers and playing confidently on the front foot despite the challenging, windy conditions.
Padikkal found an able partner in Sai Sudharsan, who had narrowly missed out on a century in the opening tour game of the series. The pair stitched together a crucial 215-run partnership before Sudharsan was dismissed by Kristian Clarke in the 62nd over of India’s second innings.
Following Sudharsan’s departure, Yash Rathod joined Padikkal at the crease, and the two left-handers continued India’s resurgence. They added another 142 runs from 142 deliveries, helping India A build a lead of more than 150 runs and putting the visitors in a strong position.
The remarkable recovery was particularly significant considering India’s early collapse on Day 2, when both openers departed within the first five overs. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were unable to withstand New Zealand A’s disciplined fast bowling. Jaiswal was surprised by a bouncer, while Rahul was bowled after the ball deflected off his bat and struck his stumps.
Padikkal Continues to Impress in Red-Ball Cricket
Padikkal’s performance in Lincoln further underlined his growing confidence in the longest format of the game. Since returning to India’s Test setup during the Sri Lanka series, he has continued to demonstrate his ability to score runs consistently.
Initially outside India’s first-choice plans, Padikkal received an opportunity following Sudharsan’s injury in August and made the most of his chances. His performances against spin during the two-Test series against Sri Lanka highlighted his technical ability and temperament.
His commanding knock against New Zealand A has now provided further evidence of his adaptability, showing that he can also thrive against quality pace bowling in conditions that favour fast bowlers.
Although missing out on a double century by the narrowest of margins was disappointing, Padikkal’s 199-run innings proved instrumental in transforming India’s fortunes and giving the visitors renewed hope in the contest.
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