At Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand A posted a first-innings total of 424 in the second unofficial Test against India A, securing a lead of 78 runs over the visitors' first-innings score of 346. Despite Mukesh Kumar's impressive five-wicket return, the New Zealand A lower order batted resolutely to put the hosts firmly in control by the close of Day 3.

Mukesh Kumar finished with figures of 5/87, his 12th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. Mohammed Siraj supported him with 4/118, but the pair could not prevent New Zealand A from building a substantial advantage. India A resumed their second innings and reached 32/0 at stumps, still trailing by 46 runs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan at the crease.

How did New Zealand A's lower order extend their lead?

Dean Foxcroft contributed 93 before being trapped lbw by Siraj, while Matthew Boyle struck 110 to anchor the New Zealand A innings. Fraser Sheat added 40, hitting five boundaries and one six during his stay at the crease. The lower order proved particularly stubborn, with Jayden Lennox and Jarrod McKay combining for a partnership that stretched across almost 25 overs.

Siraj had a chance to cut the stand short when he dropped Lennox on 12 in the second over of their partnership, and that reprieve proved costly. McKay was eventually cleaned up by Washington Sundar in the 30th over of the innings, but by then New Zealand A had already pushed their total well past 400. Brett Randell also contributed to the lower-order resistance as Mitchell Hay had earlier provided useful runs. The collective effort from the tail meant India A faced a deficit of 78 runs when they began their second innings.

What did India A's first innings and second-innings start look like?

India A's first-innings total of 346 was built on contributions from several batters. Dhruv Jurel top-scored with 106, while Devdutt Padikkal made 80 and Akash Deep chipped in with 68 lower down the order. Those three innings gave India A a competitive total, but New Zealand A's batting depth ultimately proved the difference.

When India A began their second innings, Jaiswal and Sudharsan reduced the deficit to 46 runs by stumps on Day 3, reaching 32/0 without loss. Two full days of play remain, and India A will need to bat deep into Day 4 to set any kind of target.