Unofficial Test 1: Auqib Nabi impresses after batters fail on green top on Day 1

It was a ruthless day for the India A batsmen in Lincoln on Saturday. New Zealand A made the most of the green pitch at Bert Sutcliffe Oval as they bowled out the visitors for just 113 in 39.3 overs on Day 1 of the first four-day unofficial Test. Several established Indian Test players, including KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, struggled to cope with the conditions. The India A bowlers fought back late in the day and Auqib Nabi struck twice in quick succession after Mukesh Choudhary dismissed New Zealand A skipper Rhys Mariu to leave the hosts 135/3 at stumps.

Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar and Akash Deep were released for the ducks while India A captain Dhruv Jurel managed only one run. Five Indian batsmen failed to open their accounts as the visitors struggled against a disciplined New Zealand pace attack.

Simon Keene was the pick of the bowlers, claiming five wickets for 24 runs in 11.3 overs. Zak Gibson provided capable support with three wickets, including wickets from Jaiswala and Devdutt Padikkal, while Fraser Sheat and Kristian Clarke claimed one each.

New Zealand Captain Rhys Mariu won the toss and opted to field, which paid off immediately. Sheat struck early and removed Rahul for a duck after the opener faced eight deliveries. Jaiswal and Padikkal tried to steady the innings but Gibson ended the first stand on 17 off 45 balls.

Padikkal offered some stability with a patient 32 off 77 deliveries, hitting five boundaries. However, his dismissal to Gibson triggered a collapse which India A struggled to arrest. Keene took care of Sudharsan and Jurel before continuing to harass the lower order.

The only substantial resistance was provided by Yash Rathod as he blasted his way to an unbeaten 44 off 49 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Anshul Kamboj contributed 10 but India A had nothing to show for as the innings was bowled out for 113.

The match offers India’s regulars valuable time in the middle ahead of the senior team’s two-match Test series against New Zealand starting on November 19. The India A squad includes several players from the senior squad, with the four-day matches to help them acclimatise to the conditions in New Zealand. The first of three unofficial Tests is followed by matches in Christchurch and Lincoln.

AUQIB NABI IMPRESSES

New Zealand A responded strongly, reaching 135 for three in 41 overs at stumps to take a 22-run first innings lead. Mariu led the charge with 76 while Curtis Heaphy remained unbeaten on 37.

India A had to wait 38 overs for their first breakthrough before left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary trapped Maria leg-before. Auqib Nabi then struck twice in quick succession. Jayden Lennox was shouldered to a delivery that swung, before Nabi released Tim Robinson leg – before a delivery that stayed low. Nabi finished the day with figures of two for 31 in eight overs.

Finally some wicket for INDIA A 1 Mukesh Choudhary 2 w Auqib Nabi #INDAvsNZA #Newzeland @CricketPulse (@VikashJajra4500) October 24, 2026

Akash Deep, returning to the India A line-up after an injury lay-off, also found some rhythm after an initially wayward spell. Despite taking the wicket, he conceded just 18 runs in 10 overs.

For India A, the challenge on Day 2 will be to build on the late wickets and prevent New Zealand A from extending their advantage.

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