Rajat Patidar's impressive century put India A in a strong position against New Zealand A in the third unofficial Test, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, here on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chasing a target of 416 for victory, New Zealand went into stumps at 20\/1 on Day 3.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Continuing his good form, Patidar struck his second three-figure score against New Zealand A in the series. His unbeaten 109, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad's 94, Priyank Panchal's 62 and Sarfaraz Khan's 63, powered India A to 395\/7 in their second innings, extending the lead past 400, following which they declared.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India A started the day at 40\/1, with Gaikwad and Panchal resuming their partnership. Both registered half-centuries as they extended their stand to 122 for the second wicket before Panchal was caught and bowled off Joe Walker.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Two more century partnerships ensued - 102 between Gaikwad and Patidar, and 108 between Patidar and Sarfaraz - as the New Zealand A bowlers were left deflated. India A's scored at a brisk rate of 4.22, which kept visitors under the pressure throughout the innings, with late strikes from Rachin Ravindra only providing them a small consolation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In reply, Ravindra, who also opened the innings, was trapped leg-before by Saurabh Kumar in the 14-over period that New Zealand A had to bat before stumps.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While the first two four-day games ended in draws, the hosts India A have a good chance of securing a 1-0 series win over New Zealand A.<\/p>\r\n\r\n