Simon Keene ripped India A to 5‑24 as New Zealand A forced 113‑all‑out on a grass‑laden pitch that favored pace. The opening collapse saw five batsmen—KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel—fail to reach double figures.
Keene’s spell was the match‑defining moment. In 11.3 overs he claimed five wickets for just 24 runs, while Zak Gibson added three for 29. Fraser Sheat and Kristian Clarke each took a wicket, leaving India A to fend for themselves.
Only Yash Rathod stood firm, remaining unbeaten on 44 off 49 balls. He powered a crucial last‑wicket partnership with Mukesh Choudhary, pushing the total past 100 before Choudhary fell to Keene’s final victim.
The pitch’s assistance to fast bowlers was a clear message: India A must pick early wickets in the second innings or risk a complete whitewash. With the world‑class batting line‑up undone, the Indians face a daunting chase.
India A’s bowlers will now look to replicate Keene’s strike‑rate, hoping to keep New Zealand A from consolidating their advantage as the match moves into its second innings tomorrow.