06 April,2009 11:27 AM IST | | Agencies
New Zealand were 167 for four in their second innings, chasing a huge total of 617 for victory against India when bad light ended play on the fourth day of the third Test today.
Ross Taylor topscored for New Zealand with 69 not out and for India, Zaheer Khan had taken two for 50 and Harbhajan Singh had two for 36.
The tourists lead the series 1-0 and need only a draw from this final Test to ensure their first series win in New Zealand since 1968.
Earlier Monday, India declared at 434 for seven in its second innings to ensure a massive lead.
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New Zealand have had their backs against the wall since Saturday, when they were dismissed cheaply for 197 in reply to India's first innings total of 379.
India's second innings was built on the bedrock of a magnificent 167 by opener Gautam Gambhir, who batted for nearly six hours Saturday and Sunday for his second century of the series.
India resumed at 349 for five on Monday and added another 85 runs, with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni ending unbeaten on 56 before he declared the innings 75 minutes into the morning session.
Yuvraj Singh also helped pile on the misery for New Zealand, scoring a quick 40, including three consecutive fours and a six off one Iain O'Brien over.
Chris Martin had the best return for the New Zealand bowlers, finishing with three for 70 from 22 overs.
In reply, New Zealand lost their first wicket before lunch with opener Tim McIntosh becoming pace bowler Khan's sixth victim for the match.
McIntosh also became Rahul Dravid's world record 182nd catching victim after the batsman edged Khan into to the slips in the 11th over.
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