Aaqib Nabi takes three as India A rattle New Zealand A top order in unofficial Test

India pace bowler Aaqib Nabi has made his mark in New Zealand. In the unofficial Test against New Zealand A, he bowled a probing spell and unsettled the Kiwi batters. Playing for India A, he broke through the home side's top order, and his opening overs turned the match in India A's favour.

It was the fourth day of the first unofficial Test in Lincoln. New Zealand A had been set a target of 313 to win. India A had declared their second innings at 516, leaving the Kiwi side to chase. New Zealand A needed a good start, but Nabi did not allow one.

In his opening spell, Nabi dismissed three batters and put New Zealand A under pressure. He took three wickets for 21 runs in the first six overs. He first removed captain and opener Rhys Mariu for just 2, giving India the first breakthrough in his second over.

His second wicket, in the same over, put New Zealand A on the back foot. Off the last ball of the over he dismissed Tim Robinson, who failed to open his account. Nabi then removed Matthew Boyle in his third over. The top order of New Zealand A had thus been ripped apart.

After Nabi, India A's other bowlers kept up the pressure. Mukesh Choudhary added to the hosts' troubles with wickets, and Anshul Kamboj also contributed. With wickets falling steadily, the New Zealand A innings faltered and half the side was back in the pavilion.

On day four, New Zealand A lost five wickets for 110 in 30 overs. The team still need 193 runs to win. India A appear to be tightening their grip on the match. Nabi's early strikes have lifted the confidence of the Indian bowlers. The challenge before New Zealand A now is to protect their remaining wickets and reach the target.