India A struggled with the bat against New Zealand A in the first unofficial Test at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, as India Test vice-captain KL Rahul endured a disappointing outing. Rahul was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and managed only four runs in the second, continuing a difficult spell with the bat. India A were bowled out for 113 in their first innings after their top order failed to cope with the conditions and the hosts' disciplined pace attack.

New Zealand A dominated the opening innings with the ball, as Simon Keene claimed five wickets for 24 runs and Zak Gibson picked up three wickets for 29. Rahul fell to Fraser Sheat in both innings, with his second dismissal coming in an unusual manner. After attempting to leave a delivery outside the off stump, the ball rolled back towards the stumps. Rahul tried to stop it with his bat but accidentally dislodged the bails, ending his innings for just four runs.

India A's batting collapse left Yash Rathod as the standout performer, with the batter scoring an unbeaten 44 off 49 deliveries. He struck three fours and three sixes while attempting to lift the total after wickets fell regularly at the other end. Devdutt Padikkal contributed 32 runs, but the remaining batters struggled to build partnerships. India A were eventually dismissed for 113, giving New Zealand A an opportunity to establish a substantial first-innings advantage.

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The hosts responded confidently, with captain Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy putting together a strong opening partnership. Mariu scored 76, while Heaphy contributed 44 as New Zealand A moved past India's total and built a commanding lead. India A's bowlers initially struggled to make breakthroughs, but Mukesh Choudhary eventually dismissed Mariu to end the opening stand. The breakthrough provided some relief for the visitors after the hosts had taken control of the contest.

India A found renewed hope late in New Zealand A's innings through Auqib Nabi, who claimed two wickets in successive deliveries. Nabi first dismissed Jayden Lennox for a duck before trapping Tim Robinson leg before wicket with the next ball, bringing India A back into the contest. Anshul Kamboj also contributed with the ball, taking three wickets as the visitors attempted to restrict the hosts' advantage. Despite the late fightback, New Zealand A remained in a strong position after building a significant lead.

Rahul's performance will draw attention as India prepare for their upcoming international assignments, particularly given his importance to the Test setup. The unofficial series provides players with an opportunity to gain match practice and demonstrate their form in competitive conditions. While Rahul's low scores will be disappointing, the match also offers an opportunity for the India A squad to assess its batting depth and respond under pressure. Rathod's resistance and the late wickets from Nabi and Kamboj provided some positives for the visitors amid an otherwise difficult outing.

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