Auqib Nabi rips through New Zealand A as India A take control

Auqib Nabi delivered a devastating opening spell to dismantle the New Zealand A top order during the final day of the unofficial Test. Nabi struck in his very first over by trapping Tim Robinson lbw for a duck with a full delivery that moved into the pads. He then clean bowled Matthew Boyle, sending the off-stump flying with a sharp inward-moving length ball. The seamer claimed his third victim by breaching Rhys Mariu's defense, leaving the hosts reeling early in their stiff chase.

New Zealand A found themselves struggling at 86 for 3 in 23.5 overs during the second session as rain interruptions repeatedly halted proceedings in Lincoln. Dean Foxcroft and Curtis Heaphy attempted a cautious recovery, remaining unbeaten on 27 and 21 respectively before bad light forced an early end to the day's play. The hosts still require another 227 runs to pull off the victory, while the visitors are eager to resume their bowling attack and seal a dominant win.

Earlier in the match, India A declared their second innings at a formidable 516 after recovering from a modest first-innings collapse of 113. Devdutt Padikkal played a stellar knock, missing out narrowly on a double century after falling controversially for 199. Sai Sudharsan contributed a valuable 91, while Yash Rathod added a brisk 66 to maintain the team's momentum through the middle overs.

The lower order further frustrated the bowling attack as Anshul Kamboj chipped in with 22 runs. Washington Sundar and Auqib Nabi then combined for a crucial 69-run partnership that extended the visitors' advantage. Nabi scored 38 before losing his wicket, while Sundar remained unbeaten on 51 as fading light brought an early halt to the day's action.