NEW DELHI:
New Zealand lower middle order crumbles leaving the visitors in tatters chasing an imposing target of 376 on 4th day of Kolkata test. Shami gave dent to the Kiwis
India vs New Zealand, Second Test, Day 4:
What a great test match it has been for India. Wriddhiman Saha hit another powerful unbeaten half century (58)and was well supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (23). Together, both of them took the lead to 375 while giving the Kiwis a target of 376 runs.
New Zealand openers TWM Latham and Martin Guptill have begun their innings as the Kiwis look to chase the huge target.
After an amazing performance by Indian bowlers which restricted New Zealand to 204 in their first innings, the batsmen steered India’s second innings towards a healthy lead.
Rohit Sharma stole the show on the third day with a steely 82 after the top order fell like a pack of cards. Earlier, skipper Virat Kohli (45) offered adequate resistance as the pitch offered variable bounce. Wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha then belted 39 valuable runs to stretch India's lead to 339 runs.
Live Cricket Scorecard, India vs New Zealand:
Live Updates:
# India win landmark 250th home test
# India one wicket from series win
#Ashwin breaks Latham's resistance
#NZ batsmen Latham and Ronchi contibue to build for the Kiwis post tea
#NZ in a spot of bother as R Ashwin gets rid of Ross Taylor
#Taylor joins Latham at the crease
#Jadeja outfoxes Nicholls, breaks Kiwi partnership
#Latham and Nicholls going steady for the Kiwis, NZ crosses the 100 mark
#Henry Nicholls joins Latham at the crease
#Ashwin strikes to remove Guptill
#NZ post 55/0 at Lunch
#Latham and Guptill register half century partnership
#Latham and Guptill looking good against the Indian seamers
#Latham and Guptill come out to open for the Kiwis,Shami and Bhuvi to share the new ball
#India set Kiwis an imposing target of 376 runs
# Saha shows his grit by compiling a fifty, India extend their lead
# Saha and Bhuvneshwar come to the crease, Boult has the new ball in his hand
# Play under way on Day 4
# India 263 all out, New Zealand requires 376 runs to win
# New Zealand 7/0 in second innings
Match Summary, Day 3:
India completely dominated the 2nd Test match as its batsmen took the game away from New Zealand. As discussed above, Rohit Sharma made a brilliant half century apart from valuable contributions from Virat Kohli and Wriddhiman Saha.
Earlier, Indian pacers tore New Zealand apart in a brilliant display of swing bowling. Whereas Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up a five wicket haul, Shami earned 3 wickets. Although the Kiwis lower order offered some resistance, Mohammad Shami polished off the tail with his reverse swing skills. NZ's highest scorer was Jeetan Patel (45), who held fort for quite a long time and was ably supported by Bradley-John Watling (25).
However, the match now seems completely out of grasp of New Zealand as India will come out rejuvenated for a win.
