Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan steered India A out of a shaky start with an unbeaten 96‑run partnership, taking the side to 106/2 at stumps and trimming the New Zealand A advantage to 98 runs.
The pair, who had to survive a brutal collapse that saw India fall to 10/2 after Jaiswal and Rahul were dismissed cheaply, batted with patience; Padikkal finished on 56 off 89 balls, striking nine fours, while Sudharsan added 39 off 104, both remaining not out.
India’s bowlers had earlier struggled to keep the visitors in check, with Kamboj, Nabi and Deep claiming three, three and two wickets respectively, but the hosts still amassed 317 runs in 89.3 overs. New Zealand captain Rhys Mariu top‑scored with 76, while Dean Foxcroft and Kristian Clarke chipped in with 51 and 42.
With rain looming for Day 3, the two batsmen will look to continue their partnership and push India closer to the 317‑run target, while the New Zealand bowlers will aim to take wickets early to restore the margin.