India fold for 216 despite Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari fifties

Shubman Gill and Hanuma Vihari were the only bright spots for India A as the visitors struggled against the New Zealand A bowlers on day one of the four-day match in Christchurch. After India A folded for 216, the hosts' reply was headlined by Rachin Ravindra's 47, as they finished the day on 105 for 2.

Gill and Vihari came together to post a 119-run partnership after New Zealand quicks Jacob Duffy and Sean Solia dismissed the top three batsmen for low scores, with the former sending Test opener Mayank Agarwal back for a duck. While Gill countered with a run-a-ball 83, Vihari made a 79-ball 51. Following their dismissals in the space of 3.3 overs, a collapse was triggered as Michael Rae and offspinner Cole McConchie combined to take out the last five India A batsmen within the next 11 overs for just 33 runs. None of the India A batsmen barring Gill and Vihari crossed 20, with five batsmen getting out for single-digit scores.

In reply, New Zealand A openers Hamish Rutherford and Will Young were off to a cautious start before Ishan Porel struck to remove the former for 28. Ravindra Rachin and Young then came together for a 68-run stand, which was broken by Mohammed Siraj, following which nightwatchman Ajaz Patel joined Young shortly before stumps.