India A vs New Zealand A, 1st Unofficial ODI: Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Sen As India A Thrash New Zealand A

A superb performance by medium-pacers Shardul Thakur (4 for 32) and Kuldeep Sen (3 for 30) helped set up a seven-wicket win for India 'A' against New Zealand 'A' in the first unofficial ODI on Thursday. Sent in to bat by India 'A' captain Sanju Samson, incisive bowling by Thakur and Sen had the visiting team in trouble from the start. At one stage, the New Zealanders looked in danger of being bundled out for less than 100 but some rearguard action by Michael Rippon (61, 104 balls, 4 fours) and Joe Walker (36, 49 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) helped them post 167 in 40.2 overs.

The Sanju Samson-led team overhauled the target set by the Kiwis in 31.5 overs with the captain (31 not out, 1 four, 3 sixes) and Rajat Patidar (45, 41 balls, 7 fours) finishing the job.

There were also useful contributions from opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (41, 54 balls 3 fours, 2 sixes) and Rahul Tripathi (31, 40 balls, 4 fours).

Earlier, on a pitch offering pace and bounce for the bowlers, Thakur struck the first blow by castling Chad Bowes (10) with NZ 'A' at 14 in the third over. In his next over, he had Dane Cleaver (4) caught by Sen.

Sen got into the act by dismissing Joe Carter (1) and Rachin Ravindra (10) in the space of three balls to leave the Kiwis at 26 for 4.

In his next over, Sen dismissed Tom Bruce for a duck to leave the opposition in shambles at 27 for 5.

Captain Robert O'Donnell and Sean Solia got down to the job of resurrecting the innings and took the score to 51 before the latter was run out by Rishi Dhawan.

O' Donnell batted for 39 balls for his 21 before nicking one to 'keeper Samson. Logan Van Beek (1) fell to Kuldeep Yadav and NZ 'A' slumped to 74 for 8.

Rippon was joined by off-spinner Walker and the duo slowly but surely mounted a