Ranji Trophy: Auqib Nabi, ignored for South Africa Series, continues to dominate with 3rd 5-wicket Haul

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Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has delivered a standout spell, claiming a five-wicket haul to put his side in command against Delhi on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy Elite clash on Saturday (November 8).

Bowling with precision and bounce, Auqib dismantled Delhi's middle and lower order, returning impressive figures of 5 for 35 in 16 overs.

Delhi, after opting to bat first, were bowled out for 211 in 69 overs. Ayush Badoni top-scored with 64, while Ayush Doseja added a brisk 65, but both fell before steering the innings deep. Apart from Auqib, Vanshaj Sharma and Abid Mushtaq took two wickets each and provided key breakthroughs, tightening the grip for J&K.

By stumps, Jammu & Kashmir had faced five balls in their first innings without opening their account and trailed by 211 runs. The visitors will now look to build on the momentum provided by their lead pacer when play resumes on Day 2.

Auqib Nabi has been in sensational form this season, establishing himself as Jammu & Kashmir's premier pace bowler and one of the top performers in domestic cricket. This season, he has already claimed multiple five-wicket hauls, including a devastating spell where he took 5 wickets for just 5 runs in six overs against Rajasthan. His consistent ability to swing the ball and strike key batsmen has made him a match-winner for J&K.

Nabi's recent performances include a 10-wicket match haul against Rajasthan, where he took 7/24 in the second innings to dismantle the opposition within 11 overs, sealing an innings victory for Jammu & Kashmir. The Baramulla-born pacer continues to make waves, but still remains unnoticed in the India circuit.

The 29-year-old now has 24 wickets in this Ranji season and continues to impress in the domestic circuit. He was the highest wicket-taking pacer in the Ranji last season.