New Zealand stubborn resistance Saves the Day

India went wicketless upto Lunch.

Umesh Yadav provided the first breakthrough.

Then Ashwin n Jadeja struck .

Tea :

NZ need 159/ Minimum overs 31.5

That's how  Jadeja got most prized wickets.

Ashwin n Jadeja dominating 9 more overs for 3 more kiwi wickets 

#INDvNZ - Shreyas and Saha rescue India

Well India was looking down the barrel within first hour on fourth day. From overnight 14/1 hosts were reduced to 51/5. 100 runs ahead. Southee, Jamieson and Ajaz Patel rocked Indian batting ship. But it was debutant Mumbaikar first innings centurion Shreyas Iyer again who , displayed tremendous character to rescue and later forge India ahead at the end of day 4. First with Ashwin (32 ) , added 52 runs and then  64 with Saha, brought India to safety.167/7 - 216 ahead. Shreyas became the first Indian cricketer to score century and half century in debu match. Saha then in spite of stiff neck also played very well for his 61 not out and took India to 234/7 , with Axar Patel`s excellent 28 runs support.  India declared and set New Zealand 284 runs target. 

By day end Ashwin was lucky to get Young LBW in very second over, as the batsman failed to get DSR in time. Big wicket as Young made 89 in first innings.

So its 280 more runs for visitors or 9 more wickets to Axar, Ashwin, Jadeja , Umesh and Ishant. India clearly favorites for the fifth and final day.

                                                                                                              - Vivek Ketkar

With Axar's 5 - Bowlers pull back for India on day 3.

Rare issue..so rare Pic of the Day with unique 

R. Ashwin ..who else.

India at last broke after 40 minutes on 3rd morning. Through Ashwin n sub keeper Bharat.Very difficult low catch just outside off.

Just at the stroke of lunch, Umesh Yadav trapped Williamson on 18. Immediately on second new ball. Zealand 148 behind. NZ - 197/2.Latham 82*.28.3 Ov-68 Runs-2 Wkts.

At Lunch. 

Ravi Ashwin too precise to stop/object /penalise.

Post Lunch:

Axar Patel removed experienced Ross Taylor. 

Axar on the roll, removed 2 more. Nicholas and dangerous Latham on 95, excellent stumping by substitute keeper Bharat.

Excellent 2nd  session post lunch for India - 4 wickets for 52 runs.96 runs ahead.249/6.

Post Tea..Low bounce finished Blundell's 94 balls resistance.Axar's fourth.Gets deservedly 5th by removing aggressive looking Southee - 270/8.

Ashwin removed Jamieson after 75 ball 23. Ashwin wrapped up NZ on 296.167 runs today in 86 overs. 

India lead 49.

Indian joy shortlived as Jamieson bowled Shubman Gill on his very 1st ball on 1. 2/1.

Kyle Jamieson fastest New Zealander by getting 50 wickets in just his 9th match, surpassing Shane Bond -  12 matches in 2005.

So India 63 ahead with 9 wickets intact. Indian Cricket Lovers hoping to view better batting display by Pujara n Rahane in second innings to pose New Zealand challenging total to chase on 5th day.

                                - Vivek Ketkar 

New Zealand firm on Day 2

On second morning:

Tim Southee started off well with removing Jadeja on same score in his second over. Meanwhile Shreyas was dealing in boundaries verses Jamieson reached his debut century. Southee removed Saha.

India crossed 300 in 11th over of the morning. 

Scored 47 runs in 12 overs for 2 wickets in 1st over.

But lost Shreyas immediately after drinks break - Southee's 3rd of the morning. 

Southee was excellent 4/26 of unchanged 11 overs on second morning. 

Lunch Day 2 

Post lunch Ajaz Patel wraps up Indian innings within his 2 overs.

New Zealand comfortable at Tea :

So excellent day for visitors:Tim Southee started in the morning and openers ensured to apply themselves fully denying any advantage to hosts..with all 10 wickets intact 216 runs behind.

Shreyas Iyer is the only Indian player with smile

 on day 2.

                                                        - Vivek Ketkar 

 

Day 1 - Shreyas 75*, Jadeja 50*. #INDvNZ

 Winning all important toss especially in subcontinent conditions India hadn't off to a very  good start .But Shubman Gill and Pujara steadied the ship upto lunch with 82 for 1. Shubman growing more in confidence and getting half century in the process with a handsome six and 5 fours.