Sports
Jurel’s 99 steadies India A after New Zealand A collapse
Dhruv Jurel guided India A to a respectable total in the first day of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Christchurch, scoring an unbeaten 99 after the visitors suffered a dramatic collapse. India A were 160 for 6 after losing three wickets for six runs in six deliveries. Jurel then built a 62‑run seventh‑wicket partnership with Manav Suthar, who was dismissed for 22. He continued to hold the innings together, adding an unbeaten 69 runs with Akash Deep. Reaching the 90s in the 79th over, Jurel remained unbeaten at 99, seeing out the final nine overs until stumps.
New Zealand A began steadily, with Yashasvi Jaiswal out for a duck in the first four balls, lbw to Fraser Sheat. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal steadied the innings, with Padikkal eventually scoring 80 after a series of fluent drives. Sudharsan was dismissed for 22 after edging a delivery from Jarrod McKay, opening the door for New Zealand A to take control.
Sheat then led the charge as India A lost three more wickets in quick succession: Padikkal was out caught behind, R Smaran was lbw on the first ball, and Washington Sundar was dismissed by a full delivery. With the innings in danger, Jurel negotiated the movement and bounce of the Christchurch surface, scoring as the seamers tired.
New Zealand A turned to left‑arm spinner Jayden Lennox, who was introduced to test Jurel in a batting line‑up dominated by right‑handers. Jurel used his feet and the crease effectively, mixing sweeps, cuts and dabs to keep the scoreboard moving. Suthar provided support before falling for 22 while attempting a drive off Lennox.
Jurel’s unbeaten 99 gave India A a measure of stability heading into the second day, with Akash Deep still at the crease. India A finished 291 for 7 (Jurel 99*, Padikkal 80, Sheat 4-50) against New Zealand A.
Frequently asked questions
What was Dhruv Jurel's score in the match?
He scored an unbeaten 99.
What was India A's final score?
India A finished 291 for 7.
Who scored 80 for New Zealand A?
Devdutt Padikkal scored 80.