Lincoln, October 26, 2026: India A batter Devdutt Padikkal fell agonisingly short of a double century after being dismissed for 199 against New Zealand A in the first unofficial Test at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on Monday.
The left-hander produced a superb 248-ball innings to lead India A’s recovery after a difficult start, but his attempt to reach 200 ended when he was caught behind just one run short of the milestone.
Padikkal Resumes Day on 56
Padikkal began the third day unbeaten on 56, with India A attempting to recover after losing both openers cheaply in their second innings.
He quickly settled into rhythm and continued to attack the New Zealand A bowling attack.
Century Comes in 128 Balls
Padikkal reached his century in just 128 deliveries, bringing up the landmark with a six.
It was a confident innings on a surface that had offered significant assistance to seam bowlers earlier in the match.
India A Had Been Under Severe Pressure
India A entered their second innings in a difficult position.
They had been bowled out for just 113 in their first innings, while New Zealand A responded with 317 to take a commanding 204-run first-innings lead.
Jaiswal and Rahul Fall Early Again
India A’s second innings also began badly.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for five, while KL Rahul also made five before being dismissed hit-wicket.
India A were reduced to 10 for two in the fifth over, placing further pressure on the middle order.
Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan Rebuild Innings
Padikkal then combined with Sai Sudharsan to lead a major recovery.
The pair added 215 runs for the third wicket, completely changing the momentum of the innings.
Sudharsan Falls for 92
Sai Sudharsan narrowly missed his own century.
He was dismissed for 92, ending the crucial partnership but leaving India A in a much stronger position.
Padikkal Pushes Beyond 150
Padikkal continued after Sudharsan’s dismissal and moved past 150.
The innings became his highest first-class score for India A and put him within touching distance of a double century.
Dismissed One Run Short of 200
Padikkal’s innings finally ended on 199.
After facing 248 balls, he edged behind and was caught by the wicketkeeper, missing what would have been his maiden double century for India A by the narrowest possible margin.
Maiden India A Double Century Slips Away
The dismissal meant Padikkal had to settle for 199 despite dominating for much of the day.
It was nevertheless one of the strongest innings of his India A career and came under significant pressure after the team’s poor first-innings performance.
Crosses 1,000 First-Class Runs for India A
During the innings, Padikkal also crossed 1,000 first-class runs for India A.
He reached the milestone in his 16th appearance for the side.
Third Century for India A
The knock was Padikkal’s third first-class century for India A.
His performance strengthened his case for further opportunities at the senior Test level.
Padikkal Already Has First-Class Double Century
Although he missed his first India A double hundred, Padikkal has previously crossed 200 in domestic cricket.
Earlier in 2026, he scored 232 for Karnataka against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy.
Strong Response After Poor Australia A Series
Padikkal entered the New Zealand tour after a difficult run against Australia A.
He had scored only three runs across three List A matches against the Australians and managed only one half-century in two first-class innings.
His innings in Lincoln therefore represents a significant return to form.
Good Form on Sri Lanka Tour
Before the Australia A series, Padikkal had performed strongly during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka in August.
He scored three centuries during that tour, highlighting his ability to produce big scores in overseas conditions.
India Test Selection Adds Significance
Padikkal is also part of India’s senior Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand.
The first Test begins in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27.
His 199 therefore comes at an important stage ahead of the senior Test series.
Competition for Middle-Order Spots Remains Strong
India have several options competing for places in the middle order.
A major overseas first-class innings strengthens Padikkal’s position as selectors assess batting combinations for the upcoming Tests.
India A Move Into Stronger Position
Padikkal’s innings helped India A overcome the large first-innings deficit and move ahead in the match.
After being bowled out for only 113, the visitors had appeared to be facing a difficult defeat, but the Padikkal-Sudharsan partnership brought them back into contention.
First of Three Unofficial Tests
The Lincoln match is the first of three unofficial Tests between India A and New Zealand A.
The second match is scheduled in Christchurch from October 31, while the third will return to Lincoln from November 7.
Padikkal’s 199 Becomes Standout Performance
Despite missing the double-century milestone, Padikkal’s innings remains one of the standout performances of the series so far.
His ability to recover India A from 10 for two, build a 215-run partnership and score almost 200 runs under pressure will likely be viewed positively by the national selectors.
One Run Short, But Big Statement
For Padikkal, the number 199 will carry some disappointment.
However, the significance of the innings goes beyond the missed milestone. Coming against New Zealand A in overseas conditions and shortly before India’s Test series, the knock has given him timely momentum and strengthened his case for a place in India’s senior batting line-up.
Source: The Indian Express, BCCI
Supreme News Network
