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 in the second new ball helped India A take control of the first unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A on day three, giving the visitors a total of more than 170 runs.Starting the day at 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 seamer picked up 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 secure a first-innings lead of 122 runs after they declared at 452 for 6.Through the stumps, India A extended their lead to 170 runs, reaching 48 not out in the second innings. Opener and first-innings centurion Sai Sudharsan retired hurt after scoring 4. Ayush Pandey and Devdutt Padikkal were unbeaten on 20 each at the end of the match.On the fourth and final day, India A are likely to bat till lunch and try to set a target of around 300 before giving their bowlers two sessions to beat Sri Lanka A.Earlier, Ashen Bandara made 70 off 162 balls, while captain Sahan Arachchige scored 72 off 129 balls. The pair added 117 runs for the third wicket and looked comfortable against pace and spin. At one stage, Sri Lanka A 260 for 3 and appeared 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 refused to set 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 for the Kookaburra.Nabi then used it, dismissing both batters, caught by Padikkal and Pandey. Sri Lanka A then lost their last five wickets for 30 runs.Nabi completed his spell by catching Chamika Gunasekara and Dulaj Samudhita in front of the stumps with incoming deliveries.