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India A vs New Zealand A: Mukesh Kumar Takes 5, Siraj Claims 4 as NZ A Secure 78-Run Lead

Posted on 2nd Nov 2026 01:32 pm by rohit kumar

New Zealand A secured a 78-run first-innings lead over India A after being bowled out for 424 on Day 3 of the second unofficial Test in Christchurch on Monday. Despite impressive bowling performances from Mukesh Kumar and Mohammed Siraj, the Indian attack struggled to dismiss the lower order quickly.

 

Mukesh Kumar led India's bowling effort with five wickets for 87 runs, while Mohammed Siraj picked up four wickets for 118 runs. Washington Sundar claimed the remaining wicket.

 

In reply, India A reached 32 without losing a wicket at the close of play. Yashasvi Jaiswal was unbeaten on 20, while Sai Sudharsan remained not out on 11. India A were still 46 runs behind New Zealand A at stumps.

 

Matthew Boyle Scores Century, Dean Foxcroft Misses Ton

 

Matthew Boyle played a crucial innings for New Zealand A, scoring 110 runs off 152 balls. His knock provided stability after the hosts suffered an early collapse.

 

Dean Foxcroft also produced a determined performance, scoring 93 runs before being dismissed just seven runs short of a century.

 

The pair built a substantial fourth-wicket partnership of around 205 runs, rescuing New Zealand A after the team had lost three early wickets for just 13 runs.

 

Their partnership changed the direction of the innings and put the hosts in a strong position against India A.

 

New Zealand A's Lower Order Adds Valuable Runs

 

New Zealand A's lower-order batters played an important role in taking the team's total beyond 400.

 

Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay contributed 31 runs, while Kristian Clarke added 41. Fraser Sheat scored 40 runs off 51 balls, providing further resistance.

 

Jayden Lennox remained unbeaten on 32, while Jarrod McKay scored 33. The final three wickets added 133 runs, extending New Zealand A's first-innings total to 424.

 

The lower-order contribution proved significant, giving the hosts a 78-run lead despite India's strong bowling efforts.

 

Mukesh Kumar Takes Five Wickets, Siraj Claims Four

 

Mukesh Kumar was India's leading bowler, finishing with figures of 5/87 in 29 overs. His five-wicket haul helped India A put pressure on the New Zealand A batting line-up.

 

Mohammed Siraj also delivered an impressive performance, taking four wickets for 118 runs in 35 overs. His breakthroughs included the important dismissals of Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft.

 

Washington Sundar picked up one wicket, conceding 81 runs in 29.5 overs. Akash Deep went wicketless, giving away 59 runs in 23 overs.

 

India's bowlers managed to dismiss New Zealand A for 424, but the late runs from the lower order prevented the visitors from securing a first-innings advantage.

 

India A Reach 32/0 at Stumps on Day 3

 

After conceding a 78-run lead, India A began their second innings with a cautious approach.

 

Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan successfully negotiated the remaining overs without losing a wicket. India A finished the day at 32/0, still trailing New Zealand A by 46 runs.

 

With two days of the unofficial Test remaining, India A will aim to build a substantial second-innings total and put pressure back on the hosts.

 

India A vs New Zealand A: Day 3 Match Summary

 

India A first innings: 346 all out

 

New Zealand A first innings: 424 all out

 

New Zealand A lead: 78 runs

 

Mukesh Kumar: 5/87

 

Mohammed Siraj: 4/118

 

Matthew Boyle: 110 runs

 

Dean Foxcroft: 93 runs

 

India A second innings: 32/0 at stumps

 

India A trail: 46 runs

 

Mukesh Kumar and Mohammed Siraj delivered impressive performances with the ball, but New Zealand A's strong middle and lower order helped the hosts take control of the first-innings contest. India A will now look to recover in their second innings.

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