Goa, Oct. 26 -- India A mounted a dominant second-innings fightback on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln, closing at 488 for 8 with a commanding 284-run lead. After being skittled out for just 113 in their opening effort, the visitors completely turned the tables on the back of a heroic knock by Devdutt Padikkal.

Walking in at a precarious 10 for 2, Padikkal anchored the innings with a brilliant 199 off 248 balls, featuring 24 boundaries and three sixes. He forged a crucial 215-run third-wicket partnership with Sai Sudharsan, who narrowly missed out on a century after falling for 91 to Kristian Clarke. Padikkal continued to accelerate alongside Yash Rathod (66), putting India A firmly in control.

Heartb...