Lincoln: Another sloppy show by the India A middle order saw them tie the second unofficial ODI against New Zealand via Duckworth Lewis method here today.
The men in blue who were chasing a revised target of 241 in 48 overs due to bad light scored 240-9 in 48 overs. The match was initially awarded to the Kiwis but then a challenge by the visitors and after checking with the guidelines, the decision was changed to tie.
India A are now 1-0 up in the three match series.
Batting first the Black Caps got off to bad start and lost two quick wickets and it looked like that one more low scoring affair was on the cards. But then opener George Worker and Neil Broom got their act together and started damage control. They stitched an important 149 runs partnership for the second wicket.
Worker eventually got out for a score of 61 of 81 deliveries and his innings was laced with seven boundaries while Broom scored 82 of 108 deliveries including nine fours and a six.
For India Jaydev Unadkat shined with the ball again and finished with a match haul of 4-47.
Kiwis ended their innings on 249-9.
In reply India got off to a steady start and put up an opening partnership of 52 before Unmukt Chand was dismissed for a score 23. It was then opener Abhinav Mukund and Naman Ojha who joined forces and frustrated New Zealand with their 99 runs partnership.
With 151-1, it was looking that India will finish the match on rather comfortable note but then Mukund’s wicket in the 34th over triggered a collapse for India. Mukund who scored 66 off 83 deliveries that included four boundaries and two sixes was followed by Ojha to the pavilion.
Ojha scored 62 and struck four boundaries and two hits over the boundary.
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Brief scores:
New Zealand A 249 for 9 (Broom 82, Worker 61, Unadkat 4-47)
India A 240 for 9 in 48 overs (Abhinav 66, Ojha 62, McKay 5-50)
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Much against the run of play, New Zealand got some crucial wickets and left India reeling and it was then Ambati Rayudu who played a sensible knock of 46 which included five fours saw recovered India from the jaws of defeat.
Clint Mckay was the most successful bowler for the Kiwis and returned with a five wicket haul.
The next match will be played on Sunday.
By Indian Sports News Network
