Dhruv Jurel's unbeaten 99 lifts India A to 291 for seven against New Zealand A

Dhruv Jurel stayed unbeaten on 99 as India A recovered from a collapse to finish day one on 291 for seven against New Zealand A on Saturday. The match is the second unofficial Test in the four-day series.

India A slipped badly in the middle of the innings. They lost three wickets in quick succession and were 160 for six at one stage, leaving them under real pressure in tough conditions.

Jurel, who captains the side, rebuilt the innings with a stand of 62 runs alongside Manav Suthar, who made 22. That partnership was the turning point as the lower order began to take control.

Earlier in the day, Devdutt Padikkal had scored a fast and breezy 80, setting a positive tone before the middle order slipped. Jurel then took over, batting through to the close.

Recovery after the collapse

The innings showed how quickly a day can turn in red-ball cricket. India A went from looking vulnerable to posting a competitive total by stumps, with Jurel anchoring the recovery.

The match is an unofficial Test, so the scores do not count towards official records. The four-day contest continues, with India A needing to build on day one.

For Indian cricket fans, the innings is a useful look at players competing for places in the wider national setup. Jurel's knock adds to his case as a dependable batter under pressure.

It is not yet clear how India A will approach the next session, or whether they will look to add to their total on day two.