Matthew Boyle’s Century and Dean Foxcroft’s Unbeaten 80 Rescue New Zealand A Against India A
New Zealand A turned a difficult start into a position of resistance on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test against India A, reaching 218 for 3 at stumps after being reduced to 13 for 3. Matthew Boyle struck an unbeaten century, while Dean Foxcroft finished the day on 80 not out, guiding the visitors through two sessions without losing another wicket.
Their unbroken partnership transformed the contest. India A had begun the innings with pace, movement and three early breakthroughs, but Boyle and Foxcroft responded with composure and attacking intent. New Zealand A remain 128 runs behind India A’s first-innings total of 346, leaving the match finely poised as the third day approaches.
Dhruv Jurel completes a first-class hundred
India A resumed on 291 for 7, with captain Dhruv Jurel unbeaten on 99. He needed only three deliveries to reach his century, recording his eighth hundred in first-class cricket and strengthening his reputation as a dependable middle-order batter. Jurel eventually fell for 106 after edging behind, but his innings had helped India A build a solid platform.
Akash Deep then supplied a lively finish to the innings. He launched Fraser Sheat over long-on for six before attacking Brett Randall, striking four consecutive boundaries in one over to bring up a half-century. Akash continued to score freely, reaching his highest first-class total before miscuing a shot and being caught for 68. India A were all out for 346, a competitive score that looked especially imposing after the visitors’ early trouble.
Sheat was the most successful New Zealand A bowler, finishing with four wickets for 63 runs. India A’s total also reflected the contributions of Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 80, alongside Akash’s late counter-attacking innings.
India A’s fast bowlers strike before lunch
India A made an immediate impact with the ball. Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar found movement in the air and off the pitch, making it difficult for New Zealand A’s top order to settle. Captain Rhys Mariu endured a challenging opening spell, with India A delivering four consecutive maiden overs before Siraj removed him for 4.
Mukesh then struck twice in the space of three deliveries just before lunch. Curtis Heaphy and Tim Robinson were dismissed, leaving New Zealand A reeling at 13 for 3. At that point, India A had seized control and looked well placed to press for a substantial first-innings lead.
Boyle and Foxcroft turn the innings around
Boyle and Foxcroft changed the mood after the interval. Rather than simply defend, the pair looked for scoring opportunities and put the bowlers under pressure. At least one boundary came in each of the first six overs after lunch, helping New Zealand A recover momentum and preventing India’s attack from building on its early success.
There was a significant moment when Foxcroft advanced down the pitch and missed a delivery, but Jurel could not complete a stumping chance down the leg side. Foxcroft survived, and the partnership continued to grow. The batters later reduced the scoring rate as India A turned to spin, but both remained secure against Washington Sundar and reached tea without further damage.
After the break, Boyle resumed the attack. He struck Siraj for a six and a four, then welcomed Manav Suthar into the attack with two more boundaries. The pressure shifted back onto India A as Boyle reached his half-century and Foxcroft followed him to the milestone.
Boyle’s innings combined patience with well-timed aggression. He was beaten on a couple of occasions, but continued to trust his game and punish loose deliveries. His century arrived in memorable fashion: he flicked a Siraj delivery through mid-wicket and ran four, bringing up a deserved landmark. The pair then carried their partnership beyond 200, denying India A another breakthrough for the rest of the day.
Match outlook and Day 3 prediction
Bad light brought play to an end slightly early, even after the extra half-hour had been used. New Zealand A closed on 218 for 3, with Boyle unbeaten on 107 and Foxcroft on 80. Mukesh Kumar was India A’s leading wicket-taker, with figures of 2 for 44, but the visitors’ recovery has left the home side needing a fresh plan for the next morning.
The Day 3 prediction will depend heavily on how quickly India A can break the partnership. Boyle and Foxcroft have already shown they can handle pace and spin, and their first priority will be to continue batting with discipline before looking to reduce the deficit. If they carry on for a substantial period, New Zealand A could move close to India A’s total and put pressure back on the bowlers.
For India A, early wickets are essential. Siraj and Mukesh will hope to rediscover the movement that produced the top-order collapse, while the spinners may need to vary their pace and attack the stumps. With 128 runs still separating the teams, the match remains open: India A have the advantage on the scoreboard, but Boyle and Foxcroft have given New Zealand A a strong chance to make the contest more even.
Day 2 scorecard
India A: 346 all out (Dhruv Jurel 106, Devdutt Padikkal 80, Akash Deep 68; Fraser Sheat 4/63).
New Zealand A: 218/3 (Matthew Boyle 107 not out, Dean Foxcroft 80 not out; Mukesh Kumar 2/44). New Zealand A trail by 128 runs.
