Auqib Nabi’s three wickets put India A on top in first unofficial Test

Auqib Nabi claimed three quick wickets on Day 4 of the first unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A on October 27, 2026, a spell that swung the contest in India A’s favour. His victims were Tim Robinson, Rhys Mariu and Matthew Boyle, struck down in a short, decisive burst of bowling.

India A's lower order added important runs after Yash Rathod's dismissal, with Anshul Kamboj contributing 22 runs that included four boundaries. A 69-run stand between Washington Sundar and Auqib Nabi followed; Nabi scored 38 before losing his wicket. New Zealand A were without seamer Simon Keene, who had taken five wickets in India's first innings, and Zak Gibson finished Day 3 with figures of two for 58.

Nabi opened his spell at 2.1 overs by trapping Tim Robinson lbw for 0 (5 balls) with a full delivery that moved toward the leg stump. At 2.6 overs he removed Rhys Mariu for 2 (10 balls) when a full ball swung into the batter and struck the stumps through the gap between bat and pad. Nabi completed the treble at 4.2 overs by bowling Matthew Boyle for 4 (3 balls; 1x4) with a length delivery that nipped back in to crash into the off stump.

Devdutt Padikkal's innings ended on 199 when he was given out caught behind down the leg-side, one run short of a double century. Padikkal appeared to question the decision, gesturing toward the umpire as he indicated there had been a gap between bat and ball. Earlier in his stay he reached his 12th first-class century by clearing Jayden Lennox for six.

Yash Rathod supported Padikkal, attacking Lennox and hitting Kristian Clarke for two boundaries and a six en route to a half-century off 54 balls; he was dismissed for 66 after Tea. India A had resumed Day 3 at 56 with Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan together, the two left-handers pressuring the New Zealand A attack. Sudharsan made 91 before New Zealand A used a short-ball plan to dismiss him, and Sudharsan's wicket along with the departure of captain Dhruv Jurel briefly gave the visitors a chance to fight back.

Bad light brought an early end to the day's play, leaving Washington Sundar unbeaten on 51 and India A holding the upper hand.