India ‘A’-NZ ‘A’ 1st Test ends in a draw; Tilak hits ton

BENGALURU: Promising all-rounder Tilak Varma scored his maiden first-class hundred while Kuldeep Yadav bowled with much more control as the first ‘unofficial’ Test between India ‘A’ and New Zealand ‘A’ ended in a draw here on Sunday.

The match finished when New Zealand stood at 133 for four in its second innings. This was after India ‘A’ skipper Priyank Panchal declared his team’s first innings at 571 for six, with Tilak becoming the third centurion for the host with a fine 121 off 183 balls (9 fours, 6 sixes).

The highlight of the home team’s bowling was Kuldeep’s 2/38 off 22 overs. While the match meandered towards a draw, the left-arm wrist spinner did his cause no harm, bowling with a lot more control and precision when compared to his effort in the first innings, during which he gave away 119 runs.

The delivery to get rid of right-handed opening batter Chad Bowes (5) was a classic chinaman’s googly. Bowes pressed forward to play a defensive stroke but saw the delivery turn away after pitching and the edge was taken at slip by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Kuldeep also trapped Mark Chapman (23) plumb in front. Earlier in the day, Tilak completed a well-deserved ton.

BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand ‘A’ 400 and 133/4 in 61 overs (R Ravindra 40, Kuldeep 2/38) drew with India ‘A’ 571/6 decl. in 143 overs (A Easwaran 132, R Patidar 176, Tilak 121)