IND A vs NZ A: Fletcher ton overpowers Gowtham's six-for

India A vs New Zealand A: India A off-spinner Krishnappa Gowtham returned with an impressive six-wicket haul to dismiss New Zealand A for 398 in their first innings in the third unofficial Test

Krishnappa Gowtham’s six-wicket haul was not enough to stop New Zealand A from getting crucial first innings lead innings against India A in the third unofficial Test at Whangarei.

Gowtham finished with figures of 6/139 but Cameron Fletcher’s maiden first-class hundred and half-centuries by Doug Bracewell and Jamieson enabled New Zealand A to take a 75-run first inning lead. India A bowled the hosts out for 398 after scoring 323 in their first innings.

In their second innings, India A were 38 for one in 14 overs at the draw of stumps on day three. Ravikumar Samarth (27 not out) and Ankit Bawne (5 not out) were on the crease after Abhimanyu Easwaran was dismissed in the seventh over.

Earlier resuming from 121 for 3, New Zealand rode on Fletchers's hundred. He hit seven boundaries and a six in his 221-balls innings.

The trio of Tim Seifert (86), Doug Bracewell (55) and Kyle Jamieson (53) also chipped in for New Zealand with half centuries.

Gowtham drew first blood of the day by dismissing overnight batsman Rachin Ravindra. Other overnight batsman Seifert departed next, following which Bracewell joined Fletcher at the crease.

Bracewell's innings was studded with nine boundaries. He was dismissed by Navdeep Saini with the host at 257 for six.

The duo of Fletcher and Jamieson then put up a 100 run stand which ended with Gowtham dismissing the latter.

Gowtham then scalped the remaining wickets of Fletcher, Theo van Woerkom and Lachlan Ferguson.

Brief score:

India A: 323 and 38/1 in 14 overs (R Samarth 27 not out; D Bracewell 1/17)

New Zealand: 398 all out in 131.4 overs ( C Fletcher 103, T Seifert 86; K Gowtham 6/139).