Bangalore: Another enthralling day came to an end and the sea-saw battle continued between India and New Zealand in the second Test at Bangalore. New Zealand at the end of the day are leading by 244 runs with one wicket remaining. Visitors getting a small lead of 12 runs finished the day at the score of 232/9.
Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli completed his second Test century. But, soon after that Tim Southee got Kohli out with an in-dipper which Kohli misjudged and left as he was adjudged out. Indian skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni also couldn’t last longer after completing his half-century and he too got out to a Southee in-swinger.
After the fall of two set batsmen, R Ashwin played a handy innings of 32 runs, he added important runs with to ensure that New Zealand does not get a big lead.
After getting a minor lead of 12 runs in the first innings, the Kiwi openers started the innings with a flurry of shots. New Zealand was 29 for no loss at the lunch interval things looked bad for the home team.
After the lunch interval, Umesh Yadav who struggled in the first innings got India their first wicket when he claimed Guptill (7) off a full toss. Brendon McCullum (23) was looking dangerous but he too played a lose shot to get out on a delivery from Yadav which held its line.
Last innings centurian, Ross Taylor walked in with a positive mind set and hit the first ball that he faced to the cover boundary for four. Kane Williamson (13) than fell in the first Ashwin over as he played defensively to an off-spinner and gave a catch to Sehwag standing at slip.
Taylor and Flynn than played some aggressive shots before Taylor was trapped in front of the wicket trying to play a sweep shot to an Ojha delivery that kept straight.
Daniel Flynn was looking good at the crease, but he too lost his cool and gave a simple catch to Sehwag trying to play a cut shot to Ashwin. In came, van Wyk and just like the last innings he showed tremendous courage. He with Franklin stitched an important partnership. Together the two put 55 runs before van Wyk got out to Ashwin at a score of 195.
New Zealand middle order continued to put a fight and made important runs. Franklin after playing a handy knock of 41 runs became the fourth wicket of Ashwin. Ashwin took his third consecutive five wicket haul after claiming Southee.
New Zealand number 10 and 11 batsmen were on the crease and the visitors will be hoping that they can take the lead past the 250 mark.
Brief Score: Day 3
New Zealand: New Zealand: 365 & 232/9 (Franklin 41, Taylor 35, Ashwin 5-69)
India: 353 (Kohli 103, Dhoni 62, Raina 55, Southee 7-64)
By Indian Sports News Network
