India A resumed the third day at 106 for 2, still trailing by 98 runs. Padikkal, who was unbeaten on 56 overnight, and Sai Sudharsan, who began the day on 39, combined for a crucial partnership that shifted the momentum firmly towards the visitors. The pair batted together for most of the first session, adding 215 runs off 340 balls.
Their stand ended when Kristian Clarke dismissed Sai Sudharsan for 91, nine runs short of a century. Attempting to pull a delivery from off stump, the batter could only send a straightforward catch to square leg.
Dhruv Jurel's innings lasted briefly, as he departed for 2 after managing just 1 in the first innings. However, Yash Rathod provided Padikkal with another reliable partner, and the two added 142 runs at a run-a-ball pace. Both batters accelerated their scoring, looking to give their bowlers enough overs to push for a result.
The partnership ended when Padikkal, on the brink of a double-century, edged a seemingly harmless delivery from Zak Gibson down the leg side to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. A noise was heard as the ball passed the batter's attempted glance, and Padikkal appeared surprised when the umpire raised his finger following a subdued appeal. He remained at the crease for a while before eventually walking back to the pavilion.
Padikkal's innings was built around successive periods of responsibility and acceleration. When he came to the crease, India A were struggling at 10 for 2 in the fifth over, and he had to ensure the team survived the second day. He continued that approach during the third morning, consolidating the innings without retreating into a defensive shell.
Padikkal reached his century off 128 balls, bringing up the milestone with a six off Jayden Lennox. He then slowed his scoring, taking another 76 balls to progress from 100 to 150. After reaching that mark, he accelerated again and took calculated risks. On one occasion, an edge flew past the cordon behind the wickets.
His innings of 199 came off 248 balls and included 24 fours and three sixes, leaving him just one run short of a double-century that would have further strengthened India's position.
Rathod, who had been India A's highest scorer in the first innings with an unbeaten 44, contributed 66 in the second innings. He was dismissed while attempting a cut against part-time spinner Dean Foxcroft, edging the ball through to Hay. His departure left India A at 378 for 6, but the lower order continued to extend the lead.
Washington Sundar added 41 runs from 64 balls with Anshul Kamboj, who scored 23, in a seventh-wicket partnership. Washington then combined with Auqib Nabi for another 69 runs off 106 balls for the eighth wicket.
With Akash Deep now at the other end, Washington remained in position to extend India A's lead beyond 300 on the final morning. The visitors' next steps would depend on how secure they felt with their advantage and how much further they chose to bat before attempting to force a result.
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