Auqib Nabi sends strong message to selectors with 4-wicket haul in unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A | Cricket News

Auqib Nabi’s four-wicket spell with the second new ball helped India A take control of the first unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A on day three, giving the visitors an overall lead of 170 runs.Starting the day on 113 for 2, Sri Lanka A looked well placed and reached 300 for 5 before Nabi changed the game with the second new ball. The Jammu and Kashmir opener took four wickets as Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 330.Nabi finished with figures of 4 for 58 in 19.4 overs. His spell helped India A secure a first innings total of 122 runs after declaring on 452 for 6.By stumps, India A had extended their lead to 170 runs, reaching 48 without loss in the second innings. Opening and first innings centurion Sai Sudharsan retired injured after scoring 4. Ayush Pandey and Devdutt Padikkal were unbeaten on 20 each at the end of the game.On the fourth and final day, India A will likely bat till lunch and try to set a target of around 300 before giving their bowlers two sessions to bowl out Sri Lanka A.Earlier in the day, Ashen Bandara made 70 from 162 balls, while captain Sahan Arachchige scored 72 from 129 balls. The pair added 117 runs for the third wicket and looked comfortable against pace and spin. At one stage, Sri Lanka A were 260 for 3 and looked to be in a strong position.Arachchige attacked the spinners, hitting three sixes and five fours against Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey. However, both bowlers dismissed all seven batters, with Devdutt Padikkal taking both catches.At 268 for 5, Anjala Bandara (15) and Ravindu Fernando (22) added 32 runs before India A captain Dhruv Jurel took the second new ball Kookaburra.Nabi made immediate use of this, leaving both batsmen, which were caught by Padikkal and Pandey. Sri Lanka A then lost their last five wickets for 30 runs.Nabi ended his spell by trapping Chamika Gunasekara and Dulaj Samudhita in front of the stumps with the inbound deliveries.