Yashasvi Jaiswal on fire as he cracks back-to-back centuries in New Zealand

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his extraordinary run-scoring form on New Zealand soil, smashing his second consecutive first-class century to put India A in absolute command on the opening day of the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln.

Yashasvi Jaiswal run riots with 2nd successive ton on NZ tour 

The explosive left-handed opener cracked a solid 102 off just 127 balls, laying a dominant foundation for India A as they closed rain-shortened Day 1 at 227 for 2. Coming right on the heels of his unbeaten second-innings 155 in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Park, Jaiswal’s latest century underscores his supreme rhythm, technical adaptability, and lethal intent ahead of India's upcoming senior Test series against the Black Caps.

Electing to bat after India A captain Dhruv Jurel won the toss, Jaiswal and his opening partner Sai Sudharsan dictated terms from the very first over. Operating with characteristic aggression and crisp footwork, Jaiswal capitalized on any width offered by the New Zealand A seam attack, punishing both pace and spin with equal authority.   

Jaiswal's knock was marked by high-velocity strokeplay. In the 34th over, he picked up the length cleanly to launch pace bowler Zak Gibson over the boundary for a towering six, before taking on off-spinner Dean Foxcroft during the middle overs.

Even a bout of leg cramps midway through his innings, requiring treatment from the team physio—could not derail his concentration. In the 44th over, Jaiswal completed his hundred in spectacular style, dispatching consecutive boundaries against Foxcroft to register his century off 127 deliveries.

Along with Sai Sudharsan (who compiled a patient, unbeaten 77 off 205 balls), Jaiswal put on a mammoth 175-run opening stand. His entertaining stay finally came to an end in the 47th over when he mis-timed a lofted drive off pacer Danru Ferns, chipping a catch straight to Cameron Paul at mid-off for 102.

Jaiswal’s twin centuries across the second and third unofficial Tests highlight a batter in absolute peak red-ball form. After a quiet start in the opening fixture, Jaiswal turned the series on its head in the second unofficial Test at Christchurch, hitting a match-saving unbeaten 155 off 162 balls to ensure a draw for India A.

What makes his back-to-back hundreds particularly impressive is the contrast in temperaments required:

The 155 in Christchurch: A counter-attacking, high-pressure masterpiece featuring 15 boundaries and 5 sixes under tight second-innings conditions.   

The 102 in Lincoln: A pristine, front-running opening effort that defused the fresh morning movement in Lincoln and put the opposition on the back foot immediately.

His back-to-back sequence reflects complete mastery over New Zealand’s challenging seam-friendly tracks, where extra bounce and lateral movement frequently test overseas top-order batters.

Crucial preparation for senior Test series

Jaiswal’s red-hot streak arrives at the perfect time for Indian cricket. With the senior Indian team scheduled to play a two-match Test series against New Zealand starting November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, Jaiswal's game time with India A was specifically designed as an acclimatization stint.

Alongside senior counterparts Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Devdutt Padikkal, Jaiswal’s exposure to the local wind conditions, pitch pitchiness, and Dukes/Kookaburra seam movement in New Zealand gives him a distinct tactical advantage entering the international leg of the tour.

By turning red-ball warm-ups into a personal run-feast, Yashasvi Jaiswal has reaffirmed his status as one of global cricket's most fearsome young opening talents—leaving India A comfortably placed at 227/2 and sending a clear warning shot to New Zealand's national side ahead of the Test series.