Zol, Nayar tons earn India A draw

New Zealand A 310 (Ronchi 125, Astle 63, Saxena 6-106) drew with India A 388 for 7 (Zol 110, Nayar 102*, Astle 3-106)
Scorecard

Centuries from Vijay Zol and captain Abhishek Nayar ensured India A held on for a draw against New Zealand A in Visakhapatnam on the final day. Zol also brought up a maiden century on first-class debut in the process.

Responding to a strong first-innings total of 310, thanks largely to Luke Ronchi's 125, India began the third day on 6 for 1 after Unmukt Chand fell late on the second day. Sarabjit Ladda, the nightwatchman, fell in the 18th over to leave India at 49 for 2.

In came Zol, who has been in red-hot form having posted scores of 128, 173 and 128 in the last few months, and along with Jiwanjot Singh, constructed a partnership of 77 for the third wicket.

Jiwanjot fell just two short of his half-century, bringing Manprit Juneja to the crease. Zol continued going from strength to strength, putting on a 97-run stand for the fourth wicket with Juneja. When Juneja was dismissed on 43 by Todd Astle, India were 77 behind the New Zealand total.

Abhishek Nayar stepped in and played a responsible knock, aiding Zol to a century on his first-class debut. Zol was bowled by Carl Cachopa after the pair had added 60 runs,. A small string of partnerships followed, as India looked to bat out time till stumps. Nayar stayed unbeaten on 102, while Astle was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 106.

The teams are scheduled to meet again for a four-day match on the same ground from September 2.