Devdutt Padikkal misses double century by one run in controversial fashion against New Zealand A

Devdutt Padikkal Falls One Run Short of Double Century in India A’s Fightback

Devdutt Padikkal produced a commanding innings for India A against New Zealand A, scoring 199 before a controversial dismissal ended his hopes of a double century on the third day of the second unofficial Test in Lincoln on Monday, October 26. The left-handed batter’s performance transformed a difficult match for the visitors, who had been bowled out for just 113 in their first innings.

Padikkal resumed on 56 not out and steadily took control, combining confident shot-making with the patience required for a long first-class innings. He reached three figures after lunch with a six, then continued to put pressure on the New Zealand A attack. His 199 came from 248 deliveries, with 24 fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 80.24.

The innings was a major turning point for India A. After losing early wickets in their second innings, the visitors needed a substantial partnership to recover. Padikkal supplied it—and then some—helping move the match away from New Zealand A’s control.

Controversial Catch-Behind Decision Ends Padikkal’s Innings

Padikkal’s bid to reach 200 ended in the 89th over, just before tea. Fast bowler Zak Gibson delivered the ball down the leg side as the batter attempted a shot. The ball appeared to pass close to Padikkal’s pads before reaching wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, who appealed for a catch behind.

The umpire raised a finger, leaving Padikkal visibly disappointed. The batter appeared to believe there had been a clear gap between his bat and the ball, but the decision stood and he had to leave the field on 199. The dismissal was especially painful given how close he was to completing his second first-class double century.

Padikkal’s score also marked a notable first: he became the first batter to be dismissed for 199 while representing India A. Reaching that figure is rare in any format of the game, and the circumstances made the end of his innings all the more striking. The moment is likely to remain one of the defining talking points from the match, alongside the broader prediction of how India A might use its improved position to push for a result.

Partnerships with Sudharsan and Rathod Rebuild the Innings

Padikkal’s most significant stand came with Sai Sudharsan. The pair added 215 runs, giving India A the stability and momentum it badly needed after its first-innings collapse. Sudharsan played a valuable supporting role and looked set for a century of his own, but he was dismissed for 99 by Kristian Clarke in the 62nd over.

Rather than allowing the loss of Sudharsan to halt the recovery, Padikkal continued to build. He later joined Yash Rathod for a 142-run partnership from 142 balls, another substantial stand that pushed the visitors into a position of strength. Rathod’s contribution helped keep the scoring moving while ensuring New Zealand A could not quickly break through the middle order.

The partnerships reflected a clear shift in India A’s approach. After being dismissed for 113 in the first innings, the visitors needed to limit further damage before thinking about a lead. Padikkal and his partners instead turned the innings into a sustained counterattack, forcing the home side to spend long periods in the field.

Early Wickets Had Put India A Under Pressure

India A’s second innings began poorly, with openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed inside the first five overs on Day 2. Rahul was out for four after accidentally striking his own stumps while trying to play a ball near his feet. Jaiswal made five before being caught off a bouncer.

Dhruv Jurel also fell cheaply, scoring two, and the early losses raised the prospect of another collapse. New Zealand A had already built a sizeable advantage after scoring 317 in reply to India A’s first-innings total. With the visitors’ top order back in the pavilion, the match appeared to be tilting firmly toward the hosts.

Padikkal’s innings changed that outlook. His composure helped India A recover from the early setbacks, while his willingness to score through the gaps and punish loose deliveries prevented the bowlers from settling into a defensive rhythm.

India A Take Control as the Third Day Closes

At 378 for six after 92 overs, India A had moved into a much stronger position, holding a lead of 174 runs. Washington Sundar was unbeaten on 44, while Auqib Nabi had reached 21 not out. Their presence at the crease gave the visitors an opportunity to extend the advantage further and put pressure back on New Zealand A.

Although Padikkal’s dismissal denied him a landmark, his innings had already achieved a crucial purpose: it rescued India A from a precarious position and gave the team a realistic platform from which to compete. The final outcome would depend on how many more runs the lower order could add and whether India A’s bowlers could make use of the lead.

For fans following the unofficial Test, the match offered an intriguing prediction challenge. New Zealand A had dominated the first innings, but Padikkal’s 199 and the partnerships around him had dramatically altered the contest. With India A ahead and still batting, the balance had shifted—though the hosts would have another chance to respond once the innings ended.

Padikkal’s near-double century will be remembered for both its quality and its frustrating finish. His 248-ball effort showcased patience, timing and resilience, while the disputed decision ensured the score of 199 became as memorable as the innings itself. More importantly for India A, his contribution turned a match that had threatened to slip away into a contest with renewed possibilities.