Top 5 performers from India-A vs New Zealand-A ODI series

New Zealand A's trip to India A came to an end on the 15th of October that saw the Indian outfit claim the series in both the test and ODI formats. While both the tests saw a complete performance from the young India 'A' squad that saw them register victories in both matches, the ODI series proved to be slightly more challenging and played host to a tied encounter as well.

The series aimed to serve as a platform for the young talents from either team to make a mark while also honing their skills in the process. India went in with a strategy to test all the players on the bench in the five-match ODI series which worked to good effect as there were some notable performances from both the batsmen and the bowlers.

Here are five such players who impressed with their performances from this series.

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#5 Basil Thampi

Thampi in action for India

The right-arm pacer from Kerala impressed with the ball in his maiden stint in the IPL while playing for the Gujarat Lions. In the recently concluded 5-match ODI series against New Zealand 'A', Thampi featured in two matches and shone with the ball in the 5th ODI, picking up three wickets from six overs while giving away only 18 runs.

The Keralite utilised his slower ball to excellent effect and mixed his line and length to stifle the Black Caps. In the second ODI, Thampi shared the new ball with Siraj but bowled only five overs from which he gave 24 runs and picked up the important wicket of the dangerous Colin Munro.

After being rested for the next two ODIs, Thampi returned for the fifth ODI and was thrown the ball in the middle overs and he made utmost use of the opportunity, plucking three wickets in a space of four balls to apply firm brakes on the NZ charge. Thampi first removed opener Worker with an inswinger and then trapped Blundell in front before keeper Seifert skied him up in the air to offer an easy chance to Karn Sharma.

#4 Vijay Shankar

Shankar has been putting in some notable performances

The Hyderabad all-rounder played the role of a much-needed hard hitter in the middle order and helped his cause with knocks of an unbeaten 47 and 61 to his name.

In the second ODI, Shankar got out cheaply with only 12 runs to his name but in the third ODI, Shankar chipped in with the ball to pick a wicket from his four overs with his off-spin before helping India 'A' romp home with 6 wickets to spare while chasing a target of 144.

Chasing a relatively easy target of 144 in 50 overs, Shankar walked in with the team in some trouble at 23-3 but put up a mature knock of 47* (42b, 7x4, 1x6) to take India to a victory.

In the 4th ODI, India were put in to bat first and Shankar walked in with just slightly over 12 overs to go. Right from the first ball, Shankar assumed the aggressor's role and smacked his way to 61 off 33 balls, laced with four fours and five sixes that took India to a challenging total of 289 from 50 overs.

#3 Karn Sharma

Karn Sharma exults after picking up a wicket

The leg-spinner brought all his international experience into play against the NZ 'A' squad.

After an excellent test series that saw him picking up 16 wickets in two matches, Karn continued his good form and picked two wickets in the second ODI from his seven overs, while he put up his best List-A performance with 5/22 from his eight overs in the third ODI to restrict NZ 'A' to just 143.

In the fourth ODI, Karn was bowled out but could only manage to pick one wicket albeit he was economical, giving away only 43 runs. In the final ODI, Karn picked one wicket from his nine overs but contributed with the bat as he helped India to safe shores after initial obstacles.

Walking in with the scoreline reading 30-4 from seven overs, Karn displayed grit and patiently made his way to 38 off 49 balls with three fours and a six that took India to a victory in the end.

#2 Shahbaz Nadeem

Nadeem in action for Delhi Daredevils

The left-arm spinner bowled economically and made optimum use of what the track had to offer to restrict the NZ batsmen in the middle overs. Nadeem carried his good form from the test series into the ODI series and played all four ODIs, picking at least one wicket in each of them.

In the second ODI, Nadeem gave 49 runs and picked the crucial wicket of NZ 'A' skipper Henry Nicholls while in the third ODI, he was instrumental in restricting NZ to just 143 with figures of 10-0-37-1.

In the fourth ODI, Nadeem's spin proved too hot to handle as he picked four wickets for just 33 runs from his allotted overs, including the important wickets of the well set George Worker and skipper Henry Nicholls.

In the final game of the series, Nadeem bowled his heart out yet again and picked two wickets from nine overs that took his tally to 8 wickets from four games.

#1 Shreyas Iyer

Iyer in action against Mumbai Indians

For a long time now, Iyer has been knocking on the doors of the national team and with consistent performances, he has only strengthened his claim for a spot in the senior team.

In the test series against NZ 'A', Iyer scored a patient 108 and also a good knock of 82 to boost his confidence ahead of the ODI series. Captaining the squad, Iyer led India's chase of the 270-run target set by NZ 'A' with 90 off 73 balls, comprising of seven fours and five sixes.

In the third ODI, Iyer walked in with his team in deep trouble at 23-2 but ensured that a sense of stability was back in the chase with a sturdy yet aggressive knock of 37 of 36 balls that laid a platform for the ideal finish.