Boyle's Century Leads New Zealand A Fightback as India A Left Chasing at Stumps

New Zealand A fought their way back into the second unofficial Test against India A at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, reaching 218 for 3 at stumps on day two, still 128 runs behind the visitors' first-innings total of 346. India A's total had been built on a rescue act of their own: captain Dhruv Jurel, who had ended day one unbeaten on 99 after his side collapsed to 160 for 6, completed his century with 105 off 171 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed 80 and Akash Deep added a valuable 68 from the lower order. Fraser Sheat had been the pick of the home bowlers on the opening day with four wickets. New Zealand A's reply began in deep trouble at 13 for 3, but Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft steadied the innings with an unbroken 205-run stand that carried the hosts through the day. Boyle was the star, finishing unbeaten on 107 from 148 balls with 15 fours and a six, while Foxcroft reached his half-century in support. The pair's partnership dragged New Zealand A back from early trouble and left the match finely poised heading into day three, with India A still holding a lead but the hosts boasting seven wickets in hand and a set centurion at the crease. With two days remaining in the four-day fixture, New Zealand A will eye a first-innings lead, while India A need early breakthroughs to reassert control.