Second Test headed for close finish as New Zealand reach 232/9,an overall lead of 244, at stumps on day four.
Ravichandran Ashwin scalped five wickets as New Zealand managed an overall lead of 244 after anabsorbing third day's play to leave the second and final cricket Test against India interstingly poised, here today.
ADVERTISEMENT
After conceding a slender 12-run lead, Ashwin snared five for 69 to restrict New Zealand to 232 for nine on an action-packed third day which saw as many as 14 wickets fall at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
India will now look to wrap up the innings as quickly as possible and push for a 2-0 series win with two full days still left in the match.
Kiwi batsman James Franklin (L) walks back to the pavilion as Ravichandran Ashwin (2R) celebrates his dismissal with teammate Virat Kohli (2L) during the third day of the second Test match between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Sunday. Pic/AFP
Useful contributions from the middle-order helped the visitors in their endeavour to put up a defendable total as Ashwin didn't let the Black Caps take a runaway lead. Ashwin got rid of Kruger van Wyk, James Franklin and Tim Southee in quick succession before Pragyan Ojha dsmissed Bracewell to peg back the visitors.
The burly Tamil Nadu offie began post-tea session by claiming Daniel Flynn's wicket soon after tea for 31 (65 balls 4s-6) caught at first slip by Virender Sehwag while trying to run the ball down to third man.
Pacer Umesh Yadav also gave able support to Ashwin by providing two vital breakthroughs sending back openers Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum in the post-lunch session. Yadav also intimidated pocket-sized NZ keeper Krugner van Wyk with short-pitched stuff. Van Wyk was struck on his helmet as he took eyes off a short delivery from Yadav prompting the physio to run in on to the ground to attend him. The 'keeper once again took a beating on his wrist in Yadav's next delivery.
Earlier, Virat Kohli completed his second Test century but India’s tail slumped as they were all out for 353, handing the Kiwis a 12-run lead.u00a0u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
