LINCOLN: Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar delivered a sensational spell in New Zealand A’s second innings, claiming three wickets in just 6.2 overs to leave the hosts struggling at 21 for three after India A built a commanding first-innings lead in the opening unofficial Test.
Nabi dismissed New Zealand A captain Rhys Mariu, Tim Robinson and Matt Boyle in a fiery opening spell, putting India A firmly on top at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln.
The right-arm pacer’s latest burst came after he had already claimed three wickets in the hosts’ first innings, taking his match tally to six wickets and underlining his growing importance in India A’s bowling attack.
Auqib Nabi dismantles New Zealand A top order
New Zealand A’s second innings got off to a disastrous start as Nabi struck early to remove three of their top-order batters.
He first bowled captain Rhys Mariu for two before trapping Tim Robinson leg-before-wicket for a duck. Nabi then bowled Matt Boyle for four, leaving the hosts reeling at 13 for three.
At 21 for three after 6.2 overs, New Zealand A were facing an uphill task, with Nabi returning figures of three wickets for 14 runs, including one maiden.
The Srinagar-born pacer’s incisive spell put India A in a commanding position and gave the visitors a significant opportunity to push for victory.
Nabi shines after India A’s remarkable batting recovery
Nabi’s bowling heroics followed an impressive recovery by India A, who had been dismissed for just 113 in their first innings after struggling against New Zealand A’s seam attack.
The hosts responded with 317, securing a substantial first-innings lead of 204 runs. Nabi had contributed three wickets for 69 runs, dismissing Jayden Lennox and Tim Robinson in successive deliveries on the opening day before adding another wicket later in the innings.
India A then produced a remarkable batting turnaround, piling up 516 in their second innings to take a lead of 312 runs.
Devdutt Padikkal led the recovery with a magnificent 199, while Sai Sudharsan scored 91, Yash Rathod made 66 and Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 51. Nabi also contributed a valuable 38 off 63 balls, striking three fours and two sixes.
His 38-run knock helped India A strengthen their position after the visitors had conceded a substantial first-innings deficit.
Jammu and Kashmir pacer puts India A in control
Nabi’s impact in both innings has been one of the major talking points of the contest. After contributing three wickets and 38 runs earlier in the match, he returned to dismantle New Zealand A’s top order during their second-innings chase.
His ability to strike with the new ball and produce breakthroughs at crucial moments has strengthened India A’s position in the four-day fixture.
With New Zealand A reduced to 21 for three while chasing a target of 313, India A had seized the initiative, with Nabi leading the charge.
For Jammu and Kashmir cricket, the pacer’s performance provides another encouraging example of a local player making a significant impact at the India A level.
