Hyderabad Rocked After Auqib Nabi’s Spell as 16 Wickets Fall on Opening Day

SRINAGAR: A dramatic opening day in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash saw 16 wickets tumble, leaving Hyderabad struggling at 88 for 6 after dismissing Jammu and Kashmir for 170 in Vadodara on Sunday. Pacer Auqib Nabi continued his standout season, claiming 3 for 30 to put the visitors under pressure as they trailed by 82 runs at stumps.

Jammu and Kashmir, jolted early at 32 for 5, were rescued by a brisk 57 from Abid Mushtaq, whose 49-ball knock with nine boundaries revived the innings. He added 60 runs with Abdul Samad and another 47 with Sahil Lotra, guiding the team to a fighting total.

Hyderabad’s bowlers Kartikeya Kak (3/48) and Tanay Thyagarajan (3/19) had earlier put their side in command, but the top order faltered. Nabi struck in his first over, removing Tanmay Agarwal for zero and Abhirath Reddy for five, before dismissing Nitish Reddy for three. Skipper Rahul Singh Gahlaut battled alone for a gritty 48 but fell before stumps, deepening Hyderabad’s trouble.

With both teams suffering batting collapses on a lively surface, the match has opened up sharply, setting the stage for a tense second day.