New Zealand A vs India A: 2nd unofficial Test- Review- Skipper Young carves a reasonable day for hosts

After the first unofficial Test in Mount Maunganui ended in a tie, India A and New Zealand A are currently locking horns in the second match in Hamilton. The home team ended the first day’s play with the score at 221/5 in 90 overs. From the hosts’ perspective, captain William Young scored 117 runs and was the only batsman to get the measure of the Indian bowling attack.

Wickets at regular intervals

India A won the toss and put their opponents to bat first. Hamish Rutherford and Young opened the batting. Unfortunately, Rutherford, last match’s centurion, had to retire hurt after scoring nine from 44 balls. Tim Seifert was nipped out by right-arm fast bowler Navdeep Saini for 16 runs and New Zealand A officially lost their first wicket with the score at 58 in the 29th over.

Rajneesh Gurbani got rid of Glenn Phillips, who managed only seven runs. Youngster Rachin Ravindra churned out three boundaries, but couldn’t carry on. He fell prey to Mohammed Siraj for 16 runs. In the same over, the Hyderabad speedster accounted for the wicket of Cameron Fletcher. At the other end, Young didn’t throw in the towel and held one end with expertise.

Young holds fort

Young stitched together a stand of 41 runs with Doug Bracewell and the former was the aggressor in the partnership. Gurbani nipped out Bracewell for nine to separate the duo. By 63.1 overs, New Zealand A were reduced to 141/5 and were well and truly in danger of getting bowled out. Nevertheless, Young and Theo van Woerkom understood the gravity of the situation.

They didn’t throw their wickets away and played until the end of the day. In the meantime, Young accomplished his century and remained not out. He has hit 12 boundaries and a couple of sixes in his knock. Woerkom also didn’t disappoint and he notched a patient 32 runs from 91 deliveries with five fours and a six. The partnership has fetched 80 runs in 161 balls.

Brief Scores

New Zealand A: 221/5 in 90 overs; (William Young 117, Theo van Woerkom 32*; Mohammed Siraj 2/26, Rajneesh Gurbani 2/36)

Close of Play: Day 1

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.