Shankar, Iyer fifties get India A off to a winning start against NZ A

India A vs New Zealand A: Chasing 309 for victory, India A reached home in 49 overs with four wickets still in the bank. Tamil Nadu all-rounder Shankar was top scorer with his unbeaten 87 off 80 balls while India middle-order batsman Iyer scored a run a ball 54.

Vijay Shankar and Shreyas Iyer struck impressive half-centuries as India A chased down 309 to take a  1-0 lead in the three-match one-day series against New Zealand A at Mount Maunganui on Friday.

Chasing 309 for victory, India A reached home in 49 overs with four wickets still in the bank. Tamil Nadu all-rounder Shankar was top scorer with his unbeaten 87 off 80 balls while India middle-order batsman Iyer scored a run a ball 54.

Shankar hit 12 fours – the most in the match – and a six in his impressive innings.

Vijay Shankar leads India A to victory in impressive fashion with 87*. Finishing 311/6 with an over to go chasing New Zealand A's 308. India A one up in the the three match series. Video scorecard | https://t.co/m8p3iLIeUV #NZAvINDA pic.twitter.com/eQyXau2yxG

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 7, 2018

The foundation was laid by a strong start provided by openers Mayank Agarwal (24) and Subman Gill (37). The duo put on 61 runs in 9.3 overs before both of them were dismissed in quick succession

Agarwal’s dismissal brought Iyer into the crease, who helped India A keep pace with the asking rate. He was joined by captain Manish Pandey. The experienced duo steadied the innings stitching together an important 86-run stand for the wicket.

Fast bowler Hamish Bennett then brought New Zealand A right back in the contest by removing both Pandey (42) and Iyer (54) in the same over. But then came the most decisive partnership of the match between Shankar and Ishan Kishan.

The duo scored at a rapid pace, taking India A to 275 for 7 in 42 overs. Kishan cleared the ropes three times in his 47-run inning off 43 balls.

Shankar carried on despite two more breakthroughs and made sure India reached home safely.

Earlier, Jimmy Nesham (79 off 48) and Tim Seifart (59 off 53) struck half-centuries to help New Zealand A post a formidable target of 309.

For India, Siddharth Kaul picked up two wickets but went for 74 runs in his 10 overs.