'Auqib Nabi looks half the bowler' – Aakash Chopra dissects pacer's impact in 2nd ODI

Wellington's second ODI on November 7, 2026, saw India field first after a delayed start caused by wet outfield conditions. These circumstances created ideal bowling conditions for seam and swing bowlers. Auqib Nabi capitalised on the moisture-laden pitch, claiming two wickets for 31 runs as India restricted New Zealand to 134 in 41 overs. The Afghan bowler removed Tim Seifert for a duck in his opening spell and later accounted for Will Young, whose edge was caught by KL Rahul at slip.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra examined Nabi's performance in detail on Cricinfo, highlighting how the seam bowler extracted maximum value from the surface conditions available to him. Chopra noted that the pitch retained moisture from the rain delay and the extended period under covers, which assisted Nabi's natural bowling strengths.

"Well, if there is help in the surface, Auqib Nabi is best suited to extract something out of it. He's a seam bowler, swing bowler. He's a hit-the-deck hard bowler. There was enough help in the surface after the game was delayed because of rain," Chopra said to Cricinfo.

"The pitch was also under the covers for a fairly long period of time. So surface moisture was still existing. And he was just putting the ball in the right area," he added.

What weakness did Chopra identify in Nabi's bowling?

As the innings progressed and New Zealand's middle order attempted to counter-attack, Nabi's effectiveness diminished against aggressive batting. Daryl Mitchell's attacking approach exposed a critical weakness in Nabi's armoury. When Mitchell began advancing down the pitch, the wicketkeeper had to be brought up to the stumps, fundamentally altering the dynamics of Nabi's bowling strategy.

"The only issue arrives a little later when Daryl Mitchell starts walking down the pitch and the keeper has to be brought up. Mitchell starts smashing him down the ground. It has happened on two or three occasions. The lack of pace is something that will have to be worked on and he should have a plan when batters start charging down. The moment the keeper is standing up, Nabi looks half the bowler," Chopra said.

How does Arshdeep Singh's second ODI compare to his Auckland performance?

Chopra reflected on Arshdeep Singh's performances across the series, drawing a comparison between his outings in the first and second matches. In the opening ODI at Auckland on November 4, Arshdeep had conceded 70 runs but claimed four wickets, demonstrating his ability to take wickets even when runs were being scored. His Wellington display showed improved bowling quality despite yielding no wickets in the opening burst.

"Yeah, sometimes it happens. Last game, he conceded 70, but had four wickets to show for his efforts. On Saturday, he bowled a lot better than what he did at Auckland. But then had no wickets to show for it in the opening burst. If you give him the conditions, he is one of the ideal new ball bowlers who has mastered his skills in the shortest format where batters tend to go after you," Chopra said.