North Zone pacer Auqib Nabi made headlines in the Duleep Trophy 2025 by taking a hat-trick against East Zone. The Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder picked up three wickets in consecutive balls and picked up the fourth soon after - helping his team take a commanding position.
In his 10.1-over spell, Nabi finished with five wickets for 28 runs - including a maiden as East Zone was bowled out for 230 runs. North Zone had already put up 405 in their first innings - giving them a significant lead.
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Who is Auqib Nabi?
Auqib Nabi has been part of Jammu and Kashmir's domestic cricket setup for several years. As a pace-bowling all-rounder, he can contribute both with the bat and ball.
Earlier in 2025, he scored 32 runs and took six wickets in a Ranji Trophy match against Kerala. He was also central in North Zone's win over Mumbai - taking two wickets in the first innings and four in the second, dismissing batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube and Shardul Thakur.
Auqib Nabi's hat-trick in Duleep Trophy 2025
East Zone seemed to be recovering with Virat Singh scoring a fifty. However, Nabi struck when Singh was on 69 - then dismissed Manishi and Mukhtar Hussain in consecutive deliveries to complete his hat-trick.
J&K Auqib Nabi creates history in #DuleepTrophy, takes hat-trick (4 wickets in 4 balls). He was the highest wicket-taking fast-bowler in #RanjiTrophy this year as well. Plus made 44 in 33 balls with the bat earlier pic.twitter.com/AIz5Z2dcWb
— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) August 29, 2025
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal was the fourth wicket in a short span - leaving East Zone struggling. Nabi's quick spell prevented any substantial recovery and gave North Zone control over the game.