Top 3 wicket-takers from NZ-A vs IND-A series

The three-match unofficial Test series between New Zealand A and India A, played across Lincoln and Christchurch, concluded on November 10 with all three four-day games ending in draws. Rain proved particularly disruptive in the closing stages, with the third match at Lincoln losing its last two days to the weather. The series opener at Lincoln saw India A recover from a first-innings total of 113 to mount a fightback, setting the tone for a competitive contest throughout.

However, the bowling performances across the series stood out as a genuine highlight. Several pacers and spinners made strong cases for senior selection, with the wicket-takers’ chart reflecting contributions from both camps. Here is a look at the three leading wicket-takers from the NZ-A vs IND-A unofficial Test series 2026.

3. Mukesh Kumar (IND-A, 5 wickets)

Mukesh Kumar finished third on the wicket-takers’ chart with five wickets from two matches, having not featured in the opening game of the series. His most impactful outing came in the first innings of the second unofficial Test, where he claimed a five-wicket haul.

Over the three Ranji Trophy seasons leading into this series, Mukesh had taken 20-plus wickets each time at averages below 25. His career-best India A figures remain 6 for 40 against Bangladesh A in Sylhet during the second unofficial Test of the 2022-23 India A tour of Bangladesh. He would hope for an India recall down the line after this impressive outing.

2. Simon Keene, Auqib Nabi and Fraser Sheat (6 wickets each)

Simon Keene, Auqib Nabi and Fraser Sheat each finished the series with six wickets. Among the trio, Keene produced the most economical returns, finishing with a bowling average of 7.17. Keene and Nabi each featured in one match, while Sheat appeared across two games.

Nabi was the leading wicket-taker for India A in the series, picking up his six scalps in a single match. Sheat spread his six wickets across two appearances for New Zealand A. The three bowlers collectively illustrated the depth of bowling talent on show throughout the series.

1. Zak Gibson (NZ-A, 8 wickets)

New Zealand A’s Zak Gibson was the standout bowler of the series, finishing as the highest wicket-taker overall with eight wickets across two matches. The 29-year-old right-arm fast bowler recorded a series bowling average of 36 and a strike rate of 40.

In the first unofficial Test at Lincoln, played from October 24 to 27, 2026, Gibson claimed 3 wickets for 29 runs in India A’s first innings and followed that with 3 for 80 in the second innings, giving him six wickets in that match alone. He returned to take 2 for 73 in India A’s first innings of the third unofficial Test at Lincoln, held from November 7 to 10, 2026, dismissing Sai Sudharsan for 88 and Ravindra Jadeja for 25 in that spell.