Heaphy and Lennox deny India A in dramatic New Zealand A draw

India A were denied a remarkable final-day victory as Curtis Heaphy and Jayden Lennox survived a tense last-wicket stand before fading light forced a draw in the first Unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Tuesday, October 27.

After being bowled out for 113 in their first innings and conceding a 204-run lead, India A produced an outstanding recovery led by Devdutt Padikkal’s 199. Their second-innings total of 516 set New Zealand A a target of 313, and the visitors then reduced the hosts to 187 for 9. But Heaphy, unbeaten on 90, and Lennox resisted for 57 deliveries as the umpires took the players off with 18 overs still remaining.

India A turn the match around after first-innings setback

India A began the final day at 488 for 8, having transformed the contest through their second-innings batting effort. Padikkal’s 199 was the defining innings, while Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod and Washington Sundar also registered fifties as India A rebuilt strongly after their first-innings collapse.

The morning included a late burst from Akash Deep, who struck Zak Gibson for three sixes in a row. India A then lost their remaining two wickets, finishing on 516 and leaving New Zealand A to chase 313.

New Zealand A’s reply began badly. Auqib Nabi struck twice in the third over, removing Rhys Mariu and Tim Robinson with inswingers. Nabi returned an over later to bowl Matthew Boyle, leaving the hosts 13 for 3 and putting India A firmly in control.

Heaphy and Dean Foxcroft responded with a positive 78-run partnership, taking New Zealand A through to the second session. The match was then interrupted by a 45-minute rain delay three deliveries into that session.

Mukesh Choudhary broke the Heaphy-Foxcroft stand when Foxcroft fell to India A’s short-ball plan. Mitchell Hay added two boundaries off Anshul Kamboj before Kamboj dismissed him a few overs later. Heaphy continued to hold the innings together and reached his fifty, though wickets kept falling around him.

India A’s attack had New Zealand A under severe pressure entering the final session, with just four wickets in hand. Padikkal made an unexpected contribution with the ball, taking his maiden first-class wicket when Fraser Sheat was dismissed. His off-breaks then accounted for Gibson as India A pushed closer to a comeback win.

Last-wicket resistance and fading light preserve the draw

Akash Deep removed Simon Keene to leave New Zealand A nine down, but the final wicket proved out of reach. Heaphy and Lennox held their nerve in the closing stages, maintaining their resistance as India A searched for the breakthrough that would complete an extraordinary turnaround.

With Heaphy unbeaten on 90, the last-wicket pair survived 57 deliveries. Fading light eventually ended India A’s hopes, with the players leaving the field before the scheduled close and 18 overs still available.

The draw reflected two sharply contrasting phases of the match. New Zealand A had established control through their first-innings total of 317 and India A’s 113, but India A’s 516 in the second innings dramatically shifted the contest. Padikkal’s 199 anchored that response, while the bowlers created a genuine chance of victory on the last day.

New Zealand A ultimately finished on 187 for 9 in their second innings. Heaphy’s unbeaten 90 and Lennox’s determined support ensured that the hosts survived, while India A were left to settle for a draw after coming within one wicket of a memorable win.