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
No comments:
Post a Comment