Christchurch (New Zealand): Devdutt Padikkal’s magnificent 199 and Auqib Nabi’s incisive new-ball spell could not prevent the first unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A from ending in a draw in Christchurch on Tuesday. Fading light halted play with New Zealand A on 187 for nine, still 126 runs short of their target of 313.

India A had conceded a 204-run first-innings lead after being dismissed for 113, but fought back superbly in their second innings. Padikkal struck 199, supported by Sai Sudharsan’s 91, Yash Rathod’s 66 and Washington Sundar’s 52, as the visitors posted 516 in 123.1 overs.

Resuming at 488 for eight, Akash Deep struck three sixes in an unbeaten 25 off 17 balls to push India beyond 500 and set New Zealand A a demanding target.

Nabi then produced a devastating opening burst, taking three for 28 in 10 overs. His in-cutters removed captain Rhys Mariu, Tim Robinson and Matthew Boyle as the hosts slumped to 14 for three.

Curtis Heaphy’s unbeaten 90 and Dean Foxcroft’s 42 revived New Zealand A with a 78-run fourth-wicket stand. After Mukesh Choudhary dismissed Foxcroft, the innings collapsed again, with Padikkal claiming two wickets with his off-spin and Akash Deep bowling Simon Keene.

At 170 for nine, Heaphy and last man Jayden Lennox survived for nearly 10 overs. With 17 overs remaining, the umpires halted play because of poor light, forcing a draw.

Padikkal’s form and Rathod’s scores of 44 and 66 in the two innings were encouraging signs for India ahead of the senior side’s two-Test series against New Zealand, beginning on 19 November. The second unofficial Test starts on 31 October at Hagley Oval.