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.

#5 Basil Thampi

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.