India-A has consolidated its position in the match being played against New Zealand-A in Bangalore and the reason for this is their excellent batting.
Rajat Patidar scored a century against New Zealand-A. (File Pic)
The India-A team strengthened its position on the third day of the four-day match being played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on the basis of Rajat Patidar’s finest century. India declared their second innings on Saturday for 359 runs for the loss of seven wickets. At the end of the day’s play, New Zealand-A have lost one wicket and scored 20 runs. They lost the wicket of Rachin Ravindra who scored 12 runs. Joe Carter is unbeaten on six runs till the stumps. Walker hasn’t opened account yet.
Patidar scored an unbeaten 109 off 135 balls in the second innings. In his innings, this batsman hit two sixes in addition to 13 fours. This ground is like home for Patidar as he plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL. Virat Kohli also plays in this team. In IPL-2022, the silver bat ran fiercely and he scored a century in the playoffs. Rajat also scored a century in the first match against New Zealand-A.
Rituraj misses out on century
In this innings, not only silver, but opener Rituraj’s bat also played fiercely, but he could not score a century. Gaikwad started the day with skipper Priyank Panchal leading India A’s innings by 40 runs for the loss of one wicket. However, the captain got out on a total score of 130. He scored 62 runs in 114 balls with the help of six fours. After his departure, Rajat and Rituraj stunned the New Zealand-A bowlers and continued to score runs. Both of them shared a partnership of 102 runs. Rituraj got out on a personal score of 94. Joe Walker showed him the way to the pavilion. Rituraj faced 164 balls and hit 11 fours.
Like Rajat, Rituraj has shown his mettle in the IPL. He plays for Chennai Super Kings captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Sarfaraz also played a brilliant innings
After Gaikwad and Rajat, Sarfaraz Khan’s bat ran for India-A. Sarfaraz faced 74 balls and scored 63 runs with the help of seven fours and two sixes. For New Zealand-A, Rachin Ravindra took three, Joe Walker took two and Sean Solia took one wicket.
India-A has given a target of 416 runs to New Zealand and the visiting team is still 396 runs behind this target with one day’s play left. India-A got the only success so far in the second innings by Saurabh Kumar.