Devdutt Padikkal produced a sensational batting performance for India A against New Zealand A, but he fell agonizingly short of a double century on the third day of the second unofficial Test on Monday, October 26, in Lincoln. Devdutt Padikkal was controversially dismissed for 199, missing a well-deserved double century by just one run.

The left-handed batter’s outstanding knock helped India A make a stunning comeback after struggling badly in the first innings. The Karnataka batter joined hands with Sai Sudharsan and Yash Rathod to put the visitors in a commanding position against New Zealand A.

Devdutt Padikkal misses double century by just one run against New Zealand A

Devdutt Padikkal resumed his innings on an unbeaten 56 and continued to trouble the New Zealand A bowlers with his confident strokeplay in Lincoln. The left-hander reached his century with a six after lunch and then paced up his innings.

He went on to smash a record 199 runs off 248 balls, including 24 fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 80.24 against New Zealand A. However, Padikkal missed the double century in a painful fashion in the 89th over before tea.

Fast bowler Zak Gibson delivered the ball down the leg side, and Padikkal appeared to miss his attempted shot. Amid this, Navdeep Saini set to miss Ranji Trophy 2026-27 match for Delhi; KKR pacer named as replacement.

Controversial dismissal ends Devdutt Padikkal’s brilliant 199-run knock

The ball seemed to brush his pads before reaching wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, but the umpire raised his finger after an appeal for a catch behind.

Padikkal was clearly disappointed with the decision and showed his disbelief, as he felt there was a considerable gap between his bat and the ball.

However, the Karnataka batter had to eventually walk back to the pavilion, just one run short of his second first-class double century. With this dismissal, Padikkal became the first batter to be dismissed on 199 for India A.

Devdutt Padikkal falls on 199 against NZ-A, missing his second First Class double century. He's the first batter to be dismissed on 199 for India A. #INDvsNZ

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) October 26, 2026

Sai Sudharsan and Yash Rathod help Devdutt Padikkal dominate New Zealand A

The biggest highlight of the Indian batter’s innings was the 215-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan. However, Sudharsan also missed out on another century, falling for 99 runs after being dismissed by Kristian Clarke in the 62nd over.

Padikkal then built another crucial partnership with Yash Rathod. They added 142 runs off 142 balls to strengthen India's position. Earlier, India A had suffered a shocking batting collapse in their first innings, managing only 113 runs before New Zealand A responded with 317.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal fall cheaply

The visitors also lost both openers, KL Rahul (4) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (5), inside the first five overs on Day 2. Jaiswal was caught off a bouncer, while Rahul was bowled after accidentally hitting his own stumps while attempting to play a ball rolling towards them. Dhruv Jurel was also dismissed cheaply for 2 runs.

However, Padikkal's magnificent innings completely changed the momentum for India A. At 378 for six after 92 overs, the visitors had extended their lead to 174 runs, with Washington Sundar (44*) and Auqib Nabi (21*) batting at the crease against New Zealand A in Lincoln.