Now Reading: Century With a Six: Yashasvi Jaiswal Roars Back to Form as India A Draw With New Zealand A
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Century With a Six: Yashasvi Jaiswal Roars Back to Form as India A Draw With New Zealand A
Century With a Six: Yashasvi Jaiswal Roars Back to Form as India A Draw With New Zealand A
Yashasvi Jaiswal picked the perfect moment to rediscover his rhythm. After three low scores on the tour, the India A opener brought up a stunning century with a six at Hagley Oval, turning the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A into a personal triumph and a timely confidence boost.
Jaiswal Ends His Lean Patch in Style
Jaiswal came into Day 4 on 20 overnight, with questions hanging over his form. His previous three innings on the tour had produced 17, 5 and a duck.
This time, there was no hesitation. The left-handed opener attacked from the start and completed his first-class hundred in just 119 balls, with 11 boundaries and four sixes.
The milestone came in the best way possible: he cleared the boundary to reach three figures.
A Knock Built on Intent
Jaiswal did not slow down after the century. He kept playing his natural, aggressive game and finished with 155 runs off 162 balls.
That is the kind of intent that has made him one of India’s most exciting Test batters. Here, it came with enough control to build a long innings rather than a short burst.
Partnership With Yash Rathod Takes Control
India A needed stability after Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal, and Jaiswal found the perfect partner in Yash Rathod. The two batters tightened the screws on the New Zealand A attack and took the game out of reach.
Rathod matched his partner’s milestone with a hundred of his own. India A finished on 282/2 in 52.4 overs, and the match ended in a draw.
Innings at a Glance
| Stat | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
|---|---|
| Runs | 155 |
| Balls faced | 162 |
| Balls to reach 100 | 119 |
| Fours (at century) | 11 |
| Sixes (at century) | 4 |
| India A total | 282/2 (52.4 overs) |
Why the Timing Matters
Jaiswal’s hundred arrives at a key point in India’s preparations. The two-Test series against New Zealand starts on November 19, and every bit of time in the middle counts.
His earlier scores in the unofficial Tests were 17 and 5 in the first match, then a duck in the first innings of the second. Against that backdrop, this knock stands out even more.
Conditions Will Test the Batters
New Zealand’s pitches often offer help to seam bowlers, especially with the new ball. India’s top order will need patience as well as skill.
Aggression is one of Jaiswal’s biggest strengths in Test cricket. The challenge will be finding the right balance between attacking intent and sound shot selection, and this innings suggested he is moving in the right direction.
A Sigh of Relief for Jaiswal and India
For Jaiswal, the century is a release after a frustrating run. For the Indian team management, it is a reassuring sign that one of their key batters is finding his touch at the right time.
One score cannot guarantee consistency. Still, the way Jaiswal built his innings, and the time he spent at the crease, should lift his confidence before the real contest begins.
What Comes Next
India will now look to carry this momentum into the Test series. If Jaiswal can repeat even part of this performance, the visitors will have a strong platform at the top of the order.
The unofficial Tests may have ended in a draw, but this innings gave India a clear positive from the tour.
- Jaiswal ended a run of three consecutive low scores on the tour.
- He reached his hundred in 119 balls and went on to make 155 off 162.
- Yash Rathod also scored a hundred as India A finished on 282/2.
- The two-Test series against New Zealand starts on November 19.
