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India A squandered a strong start by their openers to hand the initiative to New Zealand A as they were struggling at 136 for four at the end of the rain-affected opening day of the first unofficial Test in Lincoln, on Wednesday.
Sent in to bat, Unmukt Chand (54) and captain Abhinav Mukund (42) gave India a solid start, scoring 50 runs in just 10.5 overs while adding 82 runs for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed towards the lunch break.
- I don't like to imitate anyone: Unmukt Chand
One-down Anustup Majumdar lasted just five balls for his four but Chand, who captained India to Under-19 World Cup triumph recently, held on firmly to carry India to 109 for two at the lunch break.
However, Chand fell soon after reaching his half-century and New Zealand struck once again in the form of Manandeep Singh's (20) wicket to reduce India to 136 for four before bad light forced play to be called off early.
Chand faced 93 balls for his 54 and hit nine fours. His 50 came from 90 balls.
Rain followed soon and no further play was possible as the first day of the four-day match saw just 36.4 overs being bowled.
At stumps, Ambati Rayudu was unbeaten on nine, while left-hander Ashok Menaria was yet to open his account.
For New Zealand, Andy McKay, Brent Arnel, Sam Wells and Tarun Nethula took a wicket apiece.
Brief Scores:
India A 136 for 4 in 36.4 overs (Unmukt Chand 54, Abhinav Mukund 42; Tarun Nethula 1/21) vs New Zealand A.