![Auqib Nabi [Source: screengrab/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793087108882_Auqib_Nabi.jpg?type=hq)
Auqib Nabi [Source: screengrab/x]
Auqib Nabi wrecked New Zealand A batting line-up twice in Lincoln to push for India A’s remarkable victory. Defending 313 runs for a win, the speedster picked up three wickets with the new ball in the decisive innings of the match on Day 4 to claim sensational figures of 3-28.
Nabi also collected three wickets in the first New Zealand A innings to bag six for the match, thus making a compelling case for a place in India squad for the upcoming senior men’s Test series against New Zealand next month.
Auqib Nabi makes late push for a place in India squad
Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy hero Auqib Nabi made his international debut for Team India just a month ago with an ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati. However, the fast bowler is yet to play Test cricket for the national side.
Nabi was also excluded from Team India squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in New Zealand. Fortunately for the 30-year-old, he did find his name in the India A squad for the three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand A in the country.
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The lanky paceman certainly made full use of his opportunity by picking up six wickets in the match at an expense of just 97 runs in 28 overs. In the second innings itself, Auqib removed three of New Zealand A’s top four batters inside the first three overs of his opening burst.
Despite reducing New Zealand A to 13-3, the hosts eventually reached 187-9 in 65 overs before rain forced a thrilling draw at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.
While victory narrowly eluded India A, Auqib Nabi certainly strengthened his case with an impressive bowling display in New Zealand conditions, potentially warranting a place in the national Test squad ahead of the all-important series.
How Auqib Nabi can still make it to India’s Test squad for New Zealand series?
Auqib Nabi is named in India A squad for the three-match unofficial Test series in New Zealand. While the cricketer has already started off his tour with a six-wicket spectacle in Lincoln to strengthen his case for a place in the national Test side, he is also named in Team India squad for the final two ODIs of the impending five-match series.
If Nabi continues to bowl with the same intensity in the remaining two multi-day fixtures, and translates his impressive form into the final two ODIs against New Zealand, he could put himself firmly in the selectors’ reckoning, especially if an injury creates a vacancy in India’s pace-bowling contingent.
