J&K pacer delivers promising performances in maiden overseas ODI campaign; impresses with consistency, control
Asif Iqbal
Srinagar, Nov 15 :
For Jammu and Kashmir’s cricketing fraternity, Auqib Nabi Dar’s performances in India’s just concluded ODI series against New Zealand offer another reason for pride, with the fast bowler finishing the five-match contest with five wickets from four appearances.
Making the most of the opportunity at the international level, Nabi, as per GNS, displayed encouraging consistency across different conditions, demonstrating his ability to challenge established international batters and contribute to India’s bowling efforts.
The J&K pacer began his campaign in the opening ODI at Auckland on November 4, returning figures of 0/33 in six overs. Although he went wicketless, the outing offered him an opportunity to settle into the demands of international cricket in unfamiliar conditions.
He made a stronger impression in the second ODI at Wellington on November 7, picking up two important wickets for 31 runs in seven overs. Nabi dismissed Will Young and Tim Seifert, breaking the opening partnership and registering his first two wickets against New Zealand.
After the third ODI at Hamilton was washed out without a ball being bowled, Nabi returned for the fourth encounter at Mount Maunganui on November 13. He once again demonstrated his wicket-taking ability, claiming 2/59 in eight overs and accounting for Dean Foxcroft and Kristian Clarke.
His final appearance in Sunday’s series-deciding fifth ODI at Bay Oval brought another disciplined outing. Bowling his full quota of 10 overs, Nabi conceded 37 runs at an economy rate of 3.70, picked up a wicket and also delivered a maiden over. His dismissal of Michael Bracewell added to his growing tally in the series.
Overall, Nabi finished with five wickets from 31 overs, conceding 160 runs at an average of 32.00 and an economy rate of 5.16. His best bowling figures were 2/31, while his 37.20 strike rate reflected his ability to provide breakthroughs at regular intervals.
The series represented an important learning experience for the right-arm pacer, who had the opportunity to test his skills against international opposition and adapt to overseas pitches and playing conditions. His successive two-wicket performances in the second and fourth ODIs, followed by an economical spell in the final encounter, offered glimpses of the qualities that have brought him into the national setup.
India eventually sealed the five-match series 3-1 with a 22-run victory in the final ODI on Sunday. Defending 209, the visitors bowled out New Zealand for 187, with Arshdeep Singh claiming three wickets and Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel taking two each, while Nabi chipped in with the crucial wicket of Bracewell. (GNS)