New Zealand A vs India A, 1st Unofficial Test, Day 4, Review: Murali Vijay and Shaw hit half-centutries as game ends in a draw

The first four-day game between New Zealand A and India A has ended in a draw as the visitors’ batsmen slammed half-centuries on the final day. The likes of Prithvi Shaw, Murali Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari spent some quality time in the middle to gain confidence ahead of the Australia tour.

After being troubled by the home side’s lower-order yet again, the pressure was on India’s openers Vijay and Shaw to play out the tricky first hour when the ball swings a lot in the country. They resumed at 35/0 and played some exquisite strokes during their stay on the 22 yards. They added 71 runs for the first wicket as Shaw was sent back by Doug Bracewell after scoring an impressive 50 off just 53 balls.

Mayank Agarwal then joined hands with Vijay as both of them denied any quick success to the opposition. A partnership of 81 runs in close to 21 overs ensured that the match was heading towards a stalemate. However, both Agarwal and Vijay fell in quick succession after mustering 42 and 60 runs respectively and at 161/3 there was a little bit of pressure on the tourists.

Rahane and Vihari soak in the pressure

But India A skipper Rahane gave a good account of himself after failing in the first innings and took Hanuma Vihari on his side to rescue the team. While the former concentrated on defending most of the times and rotation of strike, his partner was more confident and followed up his 86 in the first attempt with yet another enterprising knock.

Vihari’s intent was good as he went on to smash three sixes and the same number of fours to remain unbeaten on 51 off 63 balls. Rahane scored 41 off 94 deliveries as both the captains decided to shake hands after 57 overs were bowled in the day.

India ended on 247/3 after 65 overs in their second innings as the three-match series stands at 0-0 for both the teams. Team India players will now travel to Australia after the much-needed match-practice and the new players will join the squad now.

Brief Scores

India A 467/8d after 122.1 overs (P Patel 94, H Vihari 86; B Tickner 4/80) & 247/3 after 65 overs (M Vijay 60, H Vihari 51*; D Bracewell 1/36)

New Zealand A 458/9d after 134 overs (H Rutherford 114, S Rance 69*; K Gowtham 3/107)

Result: Draw

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