Veteran luke Ronchi smashed a quickfire century as New Zealand A recovered from a precarious position to post a respectable 310 against India A on the second day of their three-day match here on Thursday.
For India A, all-rounder Jalaj Saxena did the star turn with his off-breaks grabbing six for 106 in 22.4 overs, while left-arm spinner Rakesh Dhruve got two wickets. At stumps, India A were six for one having lost Unmukt Chand (4) cheaply. Friday is the last day of the first-class match.
New Zealand were in trouble at one point with the scoreboard reading 106 for six before Ronchi’s swift counter-attacking knock of 125 off only 110 balls changed the course of the New Zealand A innings at the Port Trust Stadium.
The 32-year-old Ronchi struck 16 fours and four huge sixes and was involved in a 146-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Todd Astle (63, 157 balls, 7x4), who dropped anchor at the other end. Ronchi, in fact, reached his 50 with a huge six over long-on off Dhruve.
When Ronchi, who had made his international debut for Australia before shifting to his native country, was finally trapped leg-before by seamer Dhawal Kulkarni’s incoming delivery.
Earlier, opting to bat on the second day, Saxena impressed one and all with his control although Ronchi did take him on after the initial trouble. The MP all-rounder was not afraid to flight the ball and varied the length.
This was his third five-wicket haul in his 53rd first-class match.
Once the sixth wicket fell for 106, it took another 32 overs before the Indians got another breakthrough in the form of Ronchi.
Brief Scores
New Zealand A: (1st innings) 310 in 77.3 overs (luke Ronchi 125, Todd Astle 63, Jalaj Saxena 6/106) lead India A: (1st innings) 6/1 in 3 overs (Unmukt Chand 4, Jiwanjot Singh 1 batting, Sarabjit ladda 1 batting) by 304 runs.