Auqib Nabi Strikes Twice Late as India A Fight Back on Day 1 vs New Zealand A

India A staged a late fightback on Day 1 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A, claiming three late wickets after being bowled out for 113 in their first innings. At stumps, New Zealand A reached 135/3, holding a 22-run lead with seven wickets in hand.

First Innings Collapse

Asked to bat first in helpful bowling conditions, India A struggled against the New Zealand A pace attack and were dismissed in 39.3 overs:

• Top Scorer: Yash Rathod remained unbeaten on 44 off 49 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes.
• Other Contributions: Devdutt Padikkal added 32 runs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 17. KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, and captain Dhruv Jurel failed to score significant runs.
• Bowling Figures: Simon Keene led the attack with 5/24 in 11.3 overs, supported by Zak Gibson (3/29), Kristian Clarke, and Fraser Sheat.

New Zealand A's Response

New Zealand A built a strong opening stand before India A's late breakthroughs:

• Opening Partnership: Captain Rhys Mariu (76) and Curtis Heaphy (37 not out) put together a 132-run stand to take the hosts past India's total.
• Late Wickets: Mukesh Choudhary broke the partnership in the 39th over by trapping Mariu lbw. Auqib Nabi then struck on consecutive deliveries, bowling nightwatchman Jayden Lennox and trapping Tim Robinson lbw for ducks.
• Stumps Score: New Zealand A ended the day at 135/3 in 41 overs, leading by 22 runs with Curtis Heaphy (37*) and Matthew Boyle (0*) at the crease.

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