Devdutt Padikkal produced a magnificent knock of 199 to put India A in a commanding position on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln. The left-handed batter narrowly missed out on a double century after being given out caught behind in controversial circumstances, but his innings helped India A turn the match around and take their overall lead to 284 runs. With Washington Sundar unbeaten on 51 at stumps, India A will look to build on their advantage heading into the final day.

Resuming on 56, Padikkal combined with Sai Sudharsan, who started the day on 39, to put together a dominant partnership. Their partnership crossed 200 and helped India A move into the lead before New Zealand A found a breakthrough through the short-ball tactic. Sudharsan fell for 91 after edging a short delivery to a fielder behind square, while captain Dhruv Jurel was dismissed for just two shortly after lunch. Padikkal, however, continued to dominate alongside Yash Rathod, who also scored quickly and brought up a 54-ball half-century.

The biggest talking point of the day came when Padikkal was dismissed for 199, adjudged caught behind down the leg side in a decision that appeared contentious. Rathod departed soon after tea, but India's lower order continued to frustrate the hosts. Anshul Kamboj struck four boundaries before falling for 22, while Sundar and Auqib Nabi added 69 runs for the ninth wicket. Nabi contributed 38, including three fours and two sixes, before being dismissed, while Sundar remained unbeaten on 51 when fading light brought an early end to the day's play. With India A holding a 284-run lead, the team management must now decide whether to declare overnight or extend the innings before giving their bowlers enough time to push for victory on the final day.