Middle-order batsmen Corey Anderson and Anton Devcich staged a spirited fightback after early jitters as New Zealand 'A' ended the first day's play against India 'A' on 300 for eight, in the second and final four-day 'Test' in Hyderabad on Monday.
Left-handers Anderson (100) and Devcich (115) added 165 runs for the fifth wicket after the India ‘A’ bowlers reduced New Zealand to 43 for four by the 18th over.
While Anderson smashed 16 fours and two sixes, off left-arm spinner Rakesh Dhurv, during his 126-ball knock, Devicich was stodgy, facing 185 deliveries and hitting 15 boundaries in the process.
Mumbai seamer Dhawal Kulkarni (2-26 in 13 overs) and off-spinner Jalaj Saxena (2-69 in 26 overs) were the most successful bowlers while left-arm seamer Shrikant Wagh, UP medium pacer Imtiaz Ahmed and Dhurv got a wicket apiece.
The Indians began well, as Kulkarni quickly sent back senior team opener Neil Broom (0), who edged an out-swinger from the Mumbai bowler straight into the gloves of C M Gautham.
Carl Cachopa (3) was Kulkarni's second victim, caught by Imtiaz Ahmed. Last match hero Luke Ronchi (0) was snared by Unmukt Chand off Imitiaz's bowling as New Zealand were reduced to 17 for three.
Tom Latham (21) and Anderson stuck around for six overs before Wagh, coming back for his second spell, angled one into the left-handed opener that struck him plumb in front.
That was the last success the Indians enjoyed for nearly 40 overs as Anderson and Devcich took the attack back to the opposition camp.
They were not bogged down against the spin duo of Saxena and Dhurv. While they were cautious against the offie, the duo took on the burly Dhurv, who was hit to all corners of the ground.
Finally, in the 57th over, Anderson was gone trying to play a cut shot off Dhurv having completed his second first-class hundred.
Anderson's wicket was followed by the run-out of Derek de Boorder (1), but Todd Astle (17) added 52 runs for the seventh wicket with Devcich before he became Saxena's first victim.
Devcich's long vigil finally ended at team's score of 275 when Saxena had him caught by Vijay Zol.
But Doug Bracewell (12 batting) and Ish Sodhi (14 batting) saw off the remaining 11.4 overs without further damage.
Brief scores:
New Zealand ‘A’ (1st innings): 300-8 in 89 overs (Anton Devcich 115, Corey Anderson 100, Dhawal Kulkarni 2-26, Jalaj Saxena 2-69) vs India ‘A’.
Image: Corey Anderson celebrates after getting to hundred
Photograph: Andhra Cricket Association
