**India A** confidently took the crease with a score of 403 for 4, chasing **Australia A’s** first-innings total of 532—only 129 runs behind. Dhruv Jurel marked an impressive day with his second first-class century, leading a strong performance from the India A batting lineup. By the end of day three, Jurel was unbeaten on 113, supported by significant contributions from Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan, and N Jagadeesan, all of whom passed fifty at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
India A kicked off day three trailing by 416 runs with nine wickets still in hand. In just the sixth over, Xavier Bartlett dismissed Jagadeesan, who was caught behind by Josh Philippe for 64, halting a promising second-wicket partnership of 49 runs. Padikkal then teamed up with Sudharsan for a noteworthy stand, but as their partnership approached the hundred mark, Sudharsan fell victim to an lbw decision off Cooper Connolly, after scoring 73.
Australia A managed another breakthrough just 3.2 overs later when Iyer was trapped in front by Corey Rocchiccioli for 8, marking his third consecutive low score in first-class cricket, following earlier dismissals of 25 and 12 in the Duleep Trophy semi-finals against Central Zone.
However, Iyer’s wicket would be the last success for Australia A that day, as Jurel and Padikkal rebuilt with resilience. By that point, India A was 310 runs behind, but the two batters forged an unbeaten partnership of 181 runs for the fifth wicket by the end of the day’s play.
Padikkal showed remarkable patience, reaching his fifty off 117 balls, while the aggressive Jurel blazed his way to the milestone in just 54 deliveries, smashing Rocchiccioli for two consecutive sixes and a four. Rocchiccioli ended up as the most expensive bowler for Australia A, conceding 128 runs in 24 overs with an economy rate of 5.33. Jurel specifically targeted the off-spinner, amassing 47 runs off him at better than a run a ball, peppered with three fours and three sixes.
As the day concluded, Jurel’s strike rate stood at an impressive 85.61 from 132 balls, while Padikkal maintained a solid 48.31, finishing the day unbeaten on 86 and eyeing a seventh first-class century. Their 181-run partnership came at a brisk pace of nearly five runs per over.
With only one day left to play and neither team having commenced their second innings, it’s clear that the match is trending towards a draw, showcasing a determined effort from India .
