Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod scored unbeaten centuries to help India A secure a draw against New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval on November 3. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 155 off 162 deliveries, while Rathod scored 100 not out from 122 balls as India A finished their second innings at 282/2 in 52.4 overs. The visitors had recovered from an early collapse on the fourth day and erased New Zealand A's first-innings lead of 78 runs. The teams agreed to a draw shortly after Rathod completed his century, with rain also affecting the final day's proceedings. Jaiswal's innings was particularly important as the left-handed opener had struggled for runs during his recent outings.

He had scored 17 and five in the two innings of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A before being dismissed for a duck in India's first innings of the second match. His recent returns had increased the attention on his form ahead of India's upcoming international assignments. However, the 24-year-old responded with an aggressive yet controlled knock, striking 15 fours and five sixes. He reached his century from 119 deliveries and continued batting positively to take his score beyond 150, finishing with a strike rate of 95.68. India A began the final day at 32 without loss but quickly lost two wickets after play resumed.

Rain and drizzle delayed the start by more than 90 minutes, and New Zealand A made good use of the conditions once the match got underway. Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for 11 by Jarrod McKay, with Tim Robinson completing the catch at leg gully. Devdutt Padikkal followed in the next over after Brett Randell bowled him for a first-ball duck. The two quick dismissals left India A struggling at 35/2, bringing New Zealand A back into the contest after the visitors had started the day without losing a wicket. Jaiswal responded by taking the attack to the opposition bowlers and rebuilding the innings with Rathod.

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The pair added an unbeaten 247 runs for the third wicket, completely changing the direction of the match. Jaiswal used his range of strokes to put pressure on the bowling attack, including powerful shots against off-spinner Dean Foxcroft. He also continued batting after being struck on the helmet by a delivery from McKay. Rathod provided equally valuable support, rotating the strike and finding boundaries whenever opportunities arose. The Maharashtra batter reached his century from 122 balls, hitting nine fours during his unbeaten innings. His contribution ensured India A not only recovered from the early setbacks but also finished the match with a substantial second-innings lead.

Earlier in the match, India A had posted 346 in their first innings after being asked to bat. Captain Dhruv Jurel led the recovery with a century, scoring 105 from 171 deliveries, while Padikkal contributed 80 and Akash Deep added 68. New Zealand A responded with 424, securing a 78-run lead. Matthew Boyle was the hosts' leading scorer with 110, while Dean Foxcroft narrowly missed a century after making 93. Their partnership helped New Zealand A recover from an early collapse and establish an advantage. Among India's bowlers, Mukesh Kumar claimed five wickets for 87 runs, while Mohammed Siraj finished with four wickets for 118 runs. Despite the first-innings deficit, Jaiswal and Rathod's partnership ensured India A avoided defeat.

The second unofficial Test is part of India's A team's tour of New Zealand, which provides players with an opportunity to gain match practice and strengthen their claims for higher-level selection. Jaiswal's century will be particularly encouraging for the India setup after his recent struggles, while Rathod's performance adds another strong batting contribution to the visitors' campaign. India A and New Zealand A are scheduled to meet in the third and final unofficial Test from November 7 at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. The upcoming fixture will provide Jaiswal and other members of the squad another opportunity to build on their performances in Christchurch.

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