Auqib Nabi shines with 5-wicket haul, boosts J&K’s fightback

Srinagar, Oct 17: Jammu & Kashmir’s pace spearhead, Auqib Nabi, produced a spell of high-class fast bowling to claim a superb five-wicket haul against Mumbai on Day 3 of their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 clash at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Srinagar, on Friday.

The 28-year-old seamer finished with figures of 5 for 52 in 16 overs, leading a spirited J&K bowling performance that halted Mumbai’s charge in their second innings. Auqib struck early with the new ball, removing Musheer Khan and Ajinkya Rahane in quick succession to set the tone for the day. His disciplined lines and late movement through the air left the visitors reeling at 22 for 3 inside the first six overs.

Returning for a second spell, Auqib dismantled the lower middle order, accounting for wicketkeeper Akash Anand to complete a richly deserved five-for. The performance underlines his growing reputation as one of the most effective red-ball pacers in the domestic circuit.

“This was about sticking to the basics and being patient,” a former JKCA cricketer said. “The ball was moving around in the first hour, and he just wanted to make sure he made every delivery count.”

Notably, the five-wicket haul adds another impressive chapter to Auqib’s growing list of match-defining performances in the Ranji Trophy, further establishing him as a key figure in J&K’s bowling attack.