Srinagar, Oct 27: Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi made an instant impact with the new ball, claiming three wickets in a devastating opening spell as India A came close to a memorable victory over New Zealand A in the first unofficial Test at Lincoln on Tuesday. The match, however, ended in a draw after bad light halted play, with the hosts struggling at 187 for nine while chasing 313.
While chasing a target of 313 after India finished their second innings at 516, New Zealand A batters found the swing and seam movement generated by Nabi difficult to handle.
However, weather favoured and came to rescue New Zealand to escape with a draw despite being reduced to 187 for 9 as umpires stopped proceedings owing to fading light.
The second unofficial ‘A’ Test will start on October 31 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Auqib Nabi in his bowling spell sent back home skipper Rhys Mariu (2), Tim Robinson (0) and Matthew Boyle (4) to give the visitors the upper-hand.
Brief Scores:
India A 113 and 516 in 123.1 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 199, Sai Sudharsan 91, Yash Rathod 66, Washington Sundar 52, Zak Gibson 3/80).
New Zealand A: 317 and (target 313) 187/9 (Curtis Heaphy 90, Auqib Nabi 3/28, Devdutt Padikkal 2/11). Match Drawn.
