Shashwat Rawat’s Unbeaten Century Powers India A to 224/7

Youngster Shashwat Rawat struck a resilient unbeaten century to help India A post a competitive 224 for 7 against New Zealand A in the first unofficial Test in Christchurch on Monday.

Rawat, who was playing in place of the injured Yashasvi Jaiswal, showed great composure and determination during his knock of 101 not out off 206 balls. The left-handed opener held the innings together after India A lost early wickets and helped them reach a respectable total.

India A were struggling at 46 for 3 in the 18th over when Rawat came to the crease. He started slowly but gradually grew in confidence and played some delightful strokes all around the wicket.

Rawat shared a crucial 84-run stand with Abhishek Sharma (31) for the fourth wicket and then added another 52 runs with wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat (32) for the sixth wicket.

Rawat reached his century in the 84th over of the innings with a single off the bowling of Joe Walker. He was well supported by the lower order as India A managed to score 78 runs in the last 10 overs.

For New Zealand A, spinner Rachin Ravindra was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 45, while pacer Jacob Duffy took 2 for 36.

In reply, New Zealand A were 20 for 1 at the close of play on day one. Opener Rachin Ravindra (10) was the only batter to be dismissed, caught behind off the bowling of Navdeep Saini.

The second day's play will begin at 11 am local time on Tuesday.