Mumbai: Sep 26: India A were 136 for the loss of four wickets at stumps on Day 1 of their first four-day game against New Zealand A. Both sides made a few inroads on a rain-affected day on which only 36.4 overs were bowled.

Put in to bat at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, Unmukt Chand and captain Abhinav Mukund got India A off to a good start with an 82-run opening stand. However, the middle order was not able to capitalise on the platform set up by the openers. The Indian skipper was the first to depart, trapped leg-before for 42 by Tarun Nethula. Anustup Majumdar, who replaced him in the middle, followed him back to the dressing room soon after. The No.3 batter was castled by Sam Wells after adding just four runs to the total.

31 runs later, Chand’s stay at the crease was ended by Andrew McKay. The promising young opener was caught by Neil Broom for 54. A few overs after that, Brent Arnel bowled Mandeep Singh for 20, which brought Ashok Menaria to the crease.

Menaria was yet to open his account while Ambati Rayudu was unbeaten on nine when the first day’s play ended.

Brief scores:

At the end of Day 1: India A 1st innings 136/4 in 36.4 overs (U Chand 54, Abhinav Mukund 42, A Rayudu 9*, A Menaria 0*)