The second ODI between India and New Zealand in Wellington began late due to persistent rainfall, but Indian fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar wasted no time making an impact once play got underway. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer, popularly known as the ‘Baramulla Express’, produced a sensational opening spell, claiming his maiden ODI wicket in the very first over. It was a remarkable response after he went wicketless in the series opener.
Nabi gave India an early breakthrough by dismissing New Zealand opener Tim Seifert for a duck, leaving the hosts at 0/1. The right-arm pacer bowled a pitched-up delivery outside off stump, encouraging Seifert to play an attacking drive. However, the batter failed to time his shot properly and sent the ball high into the air. Anshul Kamboj, stationed at mid-on, completed an excellent diving catch to give India their first wicket.
The Baramulla-born pacer continued his impressive start by removing another opener, Will Young, shortly afterwards. Nabi delivered a sharp seam-up ball outside off stump, forcing Young to play away from his body. KL Rahul reacted brilliantly behind the stumps, diving to his right to complete a superb catch despite initially moving in the opposite direction.
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Young struggled to find his rhythm during his brief stay at the crease, and Nabi’s double strike put New Zealand under immediate pressure in the rain-affected contest.
Nabi has emerged as one of India’s promising fast-bowling prospects through his consistent performances for Jammu and Kashmir. He received his maiden senior India cap on September 30, 2026, making his ODI debut against the West Indies in Guwahati.
FIRST ODI WICKET! 🎯
A dream start for Auqib Nabi as he sends Tim Seifert packing for a duck! 👏
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Earlier, in August 2026, he became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a place in India’s Test squad. He was called up as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah during India’s tour of Sri Lanka. His performances subsequently helped him secure a place in the squad for the New Zealand ODI series.
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season proved to be a major turning point in Nabi’s career. He claimed 60 wickets to finish as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, playing a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. His outstanding contribution also earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
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Nabi’s domestic success attracted considerable attention at the IPL auction, where Delhi Capitals signed him for ₹8.40 crore ahead of the 2026 season. With 104 first-class wickets across two seasons, he has already demonstrated his ability to deliver consistently.
The right-arm pacer has also gained valuable overseas experience through his association with English county side Surrey. His latest performance against New Zealand further underlines his potential as an exciting fast-bowling prospect for Indian cricket.
