30 March,2009 08:50 AM IST | | IANS
Despite being on the field for nearly six sessions, New Zealand unrelentingly pursued victory but a resilient India, who were forced to follow-on, ensured that the second cricket Test would head to dreary finish.
Resuming at their overnight 252 for two, India went to tea on day five at 397 for four, establishing an 83-run lead, virtually closing the door on a New Zealand victory. V
VS Laxman, who notched his 38th Test half century in his 104th match, was unbeaten on 80 and giving him company was Yuvraj Singh (22 not out).
New Zealand struck once each in the pre and post-lunch sessions, removing Sachin Tendulkar (64) in the fifth over of the day and a stubborn Gambhir (137) 25 minutes before tea.
Though they summoned the third new ball to press for victory, they couldn't make further inroads into the Indian citadel.
India added 54 runs to their overnight 252 for two in the first session and at the beak opener Gautam Gambhir was still there after nine hours on 119 and with him was Laxman on 30. Tendulkar was out for 64 caught behind off Chris Martin after adding 97 with Gambhir for the third wicket.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 619 for 9 decl. (Ross Taylor 151, Jesse Ryder 201, James Franklin 52, Brendon McCullum 115, Daniel Vettori 55)
India 1st Innings: Zaheer Khan 3 for 129, Ishant Sharma 3 for 95, Harbhajan Singh 2 for 120, India 305 (Virender Sehwag 34, Rahul Dravid 83, Sachin Tendulkar 49, V.V.S. Laxman 76) Chris Martin 3 for 89, Daniel Vettori 2 for 45, Iain O'Brien 2 for 66, Jeetan patel 2 for 60
India 2nd innings: 397 for 4 (Gautam Gambhir 137, Rahul Dravid 62, Sachin Tendulkar 64, VVS Laxman 77 not out; Jeetan Patel 2/104)
