Prithvi Shaw's quickfire 33 off 26 balls ensured India A finished the third day's play 44 runs ahead of New Zealand A in the first unofficial Test on Sunday.
Resuming overnight on 176 for the loss of one wicket, the Indian bowlers started off well as the host was reduced to 211 for five within the first hour of play. However, later it found assurance from its middle and lower order with wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Cleaver and Seth Rance. They were ably supported by Doug Bracewell, who fell two short of a half-century.
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After Cleaver and Kyle Jamieson took the team past the 300-run mark, they were dismissed in quick succession as well, leaving New Zealand A at 346 for eight.
Theo van Weorkom added 29 with Rance before the final flourish from the last-wicket pair frustrated the India A attack with an 83-run stand, helping the Kiwis keep the first innings lead down to just nine runs.
(With inputs from PTI)
