India A loses to NZ A by 29 runs in second unofficial ODI

New Zealand A relied on opener George Worker’s 135 and Cole McConchie’s brisk 56 to post 295 and in reply, India A could only score 266.

George Worker's century made the diference for New Zealand A.

India A’s top-order batsmen failed to convert their starts into big scores as New Zealand A won the second unofficial ODI by 29 runs and restored parity in the three-match series on Friday.

The home team relied on opener George Worker’s 135 and Cole McConchie’s brisk 56 to post 295 for seven in the stipulated 50 overs after being sent into bat at the Hagley Oval. In reply, the visiting team could only score 266 for the loss of nine wickets.

Opting to bowl after winning the toss, India A tasted early success when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Rachin Ravindra for a nought.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel accounted for Glenn Phillips as New Zealand A found the going tough in the middle.

Ishan Porel picked up a couple of wickets by the time the innings entered the middle overs, leaving the visitor struggling at 96 for four in the 22nd over. Krunal Pandya made it worse by removing Mark Chapman.

At 109 for five in the 25th over, the host badly needed someone to steady the ship, and Worker, Jimmy Neesham (33) and McConchie came to the rescue.

While trying to reverse sweep left-arm spinner Krunal, Neesham got hit on his helmet’s grill, forcing him to undergo a head assessment before returning to the crease.

During his 144-ball knock, Worker smashed six sixes and 12 boundaries. McConchie then scored some quick runs, hitting eights fours in his 54-ball knock.

India A’s reply was not good as it lost its in-form opener Prithvi Shaw (2) in the first over. Leading the team in the absence of Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal made 37 off 42 balls, while Ishan Kishan scored 44 off 55 deliveries.

All-rounder Vijay Shankar contributed 41 off 53 balls and Krunal, coming in to bat at number seven, top-scored with a 48-ball 51.