The second ODI between India and New Zealand in Wellington was delayed due to rain, but once the game started, Australian quick Auqib Nabi Dar made an immediate impact. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer, fondly referred to as the Baramulla Express, had an impressive start to his innings as he took his first ODI wicket in the first over.

Nabi gave India a powerful start to the innings as he dismissed New Zealand opener Tim Seifert for a duck, giving them a difficult start of 0/1. He bowled a full ball outside off stump to entice Seifert to drive. Seifert failed to connect and hit a high ball straight to mid-on, where Anshul Kamboj took a stunning catch.

He followed it up soon after by dismissing another New Zealand opener, Will Young.

Nabi bowled a beautiful seam-up ball outside off stump, which forced Will Young into a poor shot. KL Rahul showed some amazing reflexes as he dove to his right to take a stunning catch.

Auqib Nabi Dar's double strike puts New Zealand under early pressure

Young struggled to get going at the crease against India's neat bowling line-up. They were set up for a dream start after Nabi took consecutive wickets.

For the Jammu and Kashmir pacer, it marked a crucial moment in his game, having failed to take any in his last ODI.

It was also his maiden wicket in international 50-over cricket.

Auqib Nabi Dar's International Cricket Journey

Auqib Nabi has risen through the ranks to be one of the most promising fast bowling talents to emerge from Jammu and Kashmir. He has now made his senior debut for India, taking his maiden cap on September 30, 2026. He made his ODI debut for his country against the West Indies in Guwahati.

Earlier in August 2026, Nabi made history as the first J&K cricketer to make the Test squad.

He made the cut as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah on India's tour of Sri Lanka. He then put in showings to make the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand.

Nabi has firmly established himself as a key player in J&K cricket with some incredible performances. His best came in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, taking 60 wickets to finish as the top wicket-taker. His amazing efforts helped J&K win their first-ever Ranji Trophy title. He also won the Player of the Tournament.

This earned him a lot of attention in the IPL auctions, as Delhi Capitals signed him for ₹8.40 crore heading into the 2026 season.

The right-arm pacer has now taken 104 wickets in first-class cricket, showing that he can perform consistently in the longer format.

He also has experience playing for Surrey in England. This performance against New Zealand has added to his growing list of achievements and shows why he is one of India's exciting young pace talents.

He also has experience playing for Surrey in England. This performance against New Zealand has added to his growing list of achievements and shows why he is one of India's exciting young pace talents.