Colombo: Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi once again strengthened his case for national selection with an impressive four-wicket haul for India A against Sri Lanka A on the third day of the opening unofficial Test. His impactful spell with the second new ball helped India A gain a commanding position in the match with an overall lead of 170 runs.

Nabi’s performance comes at a crucial time as he continues to remain on the radar of the national selectors. Despite an outstanding domestic season, the 29-year-old was overlooked for India’s recent two-Test series against Afghanistan. However, his consistent performances, including this latest outing, are likely to keep him firmly in contention.

Nabi’s fiery spell turns the game

Starting the day at 113 for 2, Sri Lanka A were in a strong position and appeared set to match India A’s first innings total. The hosts steadily progressed to 300 for 5, with their middle order showing resilience and control against both pace and spin.

However, the introduction of the second new ball changed the complexion of the game. Auqib Nabi capitalised on the fresh conditions, producing a sharp and disciplined spell that dismantled the Sri Lankan lower order. He finished with figures of 4 for 58 in 19.4 overs, triggering a collapse that saw Sri Lanka A lose their last five wickets for just 30 runs and get bowled out for 330.

India A, who had posted a formidable 452 for 6 in their first innings, secured a substantial lead of 122 runs.

Strong partnerships anchor Sri Lanka A

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka A had built a solid platform thanks to a crucial 117-run partnership between Ashen Bandara and captain Sahan Arachchige. The duo looked comfortable at the crease, countering both pace and spin effectively.

Arachchige, in particular, was aggressive against the spinners, hitting three sixes and five boundaries in his 72-run knock off 129 balls. Bandara complemented him well with a patient 70 off 162 deliveries. At one stage, Sri Lanka A were well placed at 260 for 3 and appeared to be in control.

However, India A’s spinners Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey managed to break the partnership, both wickets being taken by Devdutt Padikkal in the field. Their breakthroughs set the stage for Nabi’s decisive intervention later in the innings.

Collapse after second new ball

Following the dismissals of the set batters, Sri Lanka A struggled to maintain momentum. Anjala Bandara and Ravindu Fernando added a brief 32-run stand, but India A captain Dhruv Jurel’s decision to take the second new ball proved decisive.

Nabi struck quickly, dismissing both batters with well-directed deliveries that induced catches. He then cleaned up the tail with incoming deliveries that trapped Chamika Gunasekhara and Dulaj Samudhita, sealing a dramatic collapse.

India A tighten grip on the match

In their second innings, India A further consolidated their advantage by reaching 48 for no loss at stumps. However, there was a minor concern as opener and first-innings centurion Sai Sudharsan had to retire hurt after scoring 4 runs.

Ayush Pandey and Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on 20 each, ensuring India A maintained control heading into the final day.

With a healthy lead already in place, India A are expected to bat cautiously on the fourth day, potentially until lunch, to set a target in the region of 300 runs. This would give their bowlers ample time to bowl out Sri Lanka A and secure a convincing victory.

Conclusion

Auqib Nabi’s match-defining spell has not only put India A in a dominant position but has also reignited discussions around his inclusion in the senior national side. With consistent performances across formats, including an impressive haul of 60 wickets in 10 Ranji Trophy matches, Nabi is making a compelling case for selection.

As India continues to look for reliable pace options, performances like these could soon open the door for Nabi at the highest level.