India add pacer Nabi to squad for first three New Zealand ODIs

Fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been added to India’s squad for the first three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday.

The 29-year-old, who made his international debut against the West Indies in September, was initially named in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs. However, he has now been drafted into the squad from the beginning of the five-match series.

His inclusion comes a day after right-arm fast bowler Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

The ODI series will be played from November 4 to 15, followed by a two-Test series beginning on November 19.

ODI squads

India’s squad for the first three ODIs: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy (first ODI only) and Auqib Nabi.

India’s squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.

India have taken a significant 3–1 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, although the visitors bounced back in the fourth encounter to avoid a series whitewash.

With four matches completed, India lead the series 3–1. The fifth and final T20I will be played tomorrow at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

India vs New Zealand first T20I

Sanju Samson starred with an explosive 67, providing India with a flying start alongside Abhishek Sharma. Shreyas Iyer contributed 42 runs, while Naman Dhir delivered a brilliant unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls to guide India to a successful chase.

IND vs NZ second T20I

Tilak Varma played a crucial unbeaten innings under pressure. After India lost six wickets, he held his nerve and combined with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored 26 off 13 deliveries. Their partnership helped India chase down the target with just one ball remaining.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner also impressed with the ball, claiming four wickets for 21 runs.

Third T20I

Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking century, reaching the landmark in just 35 balls before finishing with 113 runs off 38 deliveries.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also impressed with a quickfire 45, as the pair added 133 runs. India chased down the target comfortably in just 13.2 overs, securing the series with a 3–0 lead.

Fourth T20I

Glenn Phillips smashed a magnificent century, scoring 107 off 49 deliveries, including 10 sixes and six fours. Michael Bracewell provided excellent support with a blistering 65 off just 25 balls.

India’s bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s aggressive batting, while Jacob Duffy dismantled the Indian batting line-up with four wickets for 23 runs.

New Zealand secured a convincing 87-run victory, reducing India’s series lead to 3–1 and preventing a clean sweep.