LIVE
Mon, 03 September 2012
LIVE Cricket: India trounce NZ to complete series sweep

Timeline  Refresh

17:02  
- Scorecard

India: 262-5 (63.2 ovs) & 353 vs NZ 365 & 248

INDIA WIN 2ND TEST BY 5 WICKETS, WIN SERIES 2-0

MS Dhoni is now the most successful Indian captain at home with 14 Test wins at home going past Mohammad Azharuddin, who had 13 wins at home. Sourav Ganguly is third with 10 wins, while Sunil Gavaskar had seven.

This is also the fourth highest successful run chase on Indian soil and the highest run chase at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore.

The series will come as a huge relief for the Indian team after suffering 0-4 losses in their previous two series -- in England and Australia.

But India will need to show great improvement from their showing in the series against New Zealand, especially with England and Australia scheduled to come next.

India and New Zealand will now square-off in a two-match T20 series to be played on Sept 8 and 11 before they leave for the World T20.
16:51  
- Scorecard

India: 262-5 (63.2 ovs) & 353 vs NZ 365 & 248

INDIA WIN 2ND TEST BY 5 WICKETS, WIN SERIES 2-0

Nine runs needed to win and Dhoni makes it five with a boundary as he slaps Patel through the covers. He ends the match in trademark fashion, slog sweeping Patel for a huge six over midwicket as India win the match by five wickets to complete a 2-0 series whitewash.

Dhoni finishes unbeaten on 48 from 60 balls, while Kohli was not out on 51 from 82 balls with the duo putting on 96 runs for the sixth wicket to carry India to victory.

Patel impressed with the ball in the second innings, claiming three for 68.
16:45  
- Scorecard

India: 252-5 (63 ovs), Target to win: 261

Kohli whips Southee through midwicket for a delightful boundary, something which Tendulkar tried earlier but missed and was bowled. Two balls later Kohli slams a short ball through the covers for another four as India make a charge towards victory.

Kohli makes it three fours in a row with another classical shot, punching a full delivery back past the bowler. That also brings up his half-century from 82 balls as he plays another splendid knock to bail his team out of crisis, following a century in the first innings.
16:40  
- Scorecard

India: 240-5 (62 ovs), Target to win: 261

Kohli gets another inside edge, this time off Southee, and overthrows gives two instead of one. He promptly collects a single from the next ball and Dhoni does the same for four runs from that over.

Dhoni flicks Patel to the square leg region and sprints across for two runs. A few balls later Dhoni slaps a short ball through the covers for a boundary. Patel gets the next ball to hold it's line as it goes straight missing the bat narrowly and even keeper McCullum fumbles.
16:32  
- Scorecard

India: 230-5 (60 ovs), Target to win: 261

Dhoni takes a single from the first ball of Patel's new over to the point region. Kohli then shows his intent as he chips it over midwicket for a four as India start galloping towards the victory.

Dhoni slaps Boult through point for another single and Kohli gets another single courtesy of an inside edge. Dhoni makes it three runs when he takes one to the cover region.

Two runs from Patel's next over as India now need 31 runs for victory.
16:20  
- Scorecard

India: 220-5 (57 ovs), Target to win: 261

Boult replaces Bracewell and he is bowling from round the wicket. Dhoni defends the first two balls before a single in the covers and Kohli does the same with a push to the leg side.

Dhoni also gets one on the leg side as Boult drifts on the pads before Kohli despatches a half volley through the cover region for a boundary.

India need 41 for victory with nearly 40 minutes of play left in the day. Will they finish off things today?
16:13  
- Scorecard

India: 213-5 (56 ovs), Target to win: 261

Kohli misses that on the pads as he tries to clip it fine but crashes the next delivery from Bracewell through the covers for a four. India are slowly but steadily inching closer towards victory with only 53 runs required now.

Off-spinner Jeetan Patel into the attack now as NZ need a couple of early wickets. Dhoni cuts the second ball to point for one while Kohli strokes the next ball behind for two runs and the next ball in the covers for another couple.
16:05  
- Scorecard

India: 204-5 (54 ovs), Target to win: 261

Bracewell is guilty of not making the Indian batsmen play enough as he continues bowling it wide of the off-stump. Dhoni defends first two balls and steers the next to point for one. Kohli also is content to let the wide balls go through to the keeper and ducks under the bouncer to end the over.

The pacers are not making much effect as the ball starts getting older. Dhoni comfortably plays out the over from Southee, getting two runs from the final delivery to the cover region.
15:56   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 201-5 (52 ovs), Target to win: 261

Southee bowls a quick bouncer to Kohli, who looks to pull but misses and is struck on the helmet. India get one bye in the process to bring up their 200 in the 52nd over.

The second ball bounces a bit extra from length and Dhoni fends it as it falls just short of the fielder at gully.

Dhoni then flicks it towards midwicket where it is stopped by the fielder for one run.

Kohli seems to be losing a bit of concentration at the moment. He once again tries to pull a short delivery from Southee but luckily for him it misses everything to keeper McCullum.


15:45  
- Scorecard

India: 199-5 (50 ovs), Target to win: 261

Medium pacer Bracewell into the attack now and he gets the first ball to rise ominously from a good length outside the off-stump. But he is too wide outside the off-stump and Kohli is happy to see them through to the keeper.

It's pace from both ends as Southee takes over from Patel, who bowled a superb spell to bring New Zealand back in the contest with two wickets after the tea break.

Dhoni strokes the first ball to the covers for one and Kohli then taps it on the leg side for another single.

Dhoni ends the over with a single as India reach 199 for five in 50 overs, still needing 62 runs for victory.
15:34   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 196-5 (48 ovs), Target to win: 261

Patel continues to flight the ball as Kohli gets forward and defends before taking a single to midwicket.

Dhoni top edges an attempted slog sweep but it has enough power to carry all the way for a six over square leg.

Dhoni's arrival has upped the tempo and runs are coming at a good rate now.
15:30  
- Scorecard

India: 189-5 (47 ovs), Target to win: 261

Boult now bowling round the wicket and there is an appeal for caught behind against Dhoni, but the sound was from the bat hitting the pad and the umpire turns it down.

Dhoni hits past the point fielder for two runs and later in the over steers it in the same region for a four.

Boult then fires it way down the leg side and it goes wide of the batsman and keeper for four byes as runs start flowing again.


15:25  
- Scorecard

India: 178-5 (46 ovs), Target to win: 261

Dhoni cuts it behind point for two runs off the first ball of Patel's new over. The next one turns in sharply and Dhoni keeps it out awkwardly. He then taps it to the cover region for a single and Kohli gets another single as the midwicket fielder makes a good diving stop.

Dhoni turns the last ball to the square leg for another single.
15:21  
- Scorecard

India: 174-5 (45 ovs), Target to win: 261

Patel has been quite dangerous when he has pitched the ball up and two of his wickets have come when the batsmen have given him the charge and were beaten in the flight.

Boult bowling to Dhoni continues his tactics of bowling it outside the off-stump and tempt the batsmen into mistakes. Dhoni taps the ball to the cover region and sprints across for a quick single and Kohli defends the rest of the over.

India now need 87 runs for victory.
15:16   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 173-5 (44 ovs), Target to win: 261

Kohli breaks the shackles with a perfect cover drive for four runs against Boult. He moves forward with a confident big stride to defend the next ball. Boult gets the next ball to come in sharply with a bit of bounce and there is stifled appeal for LBW.

Kohli then despatches a half volley down the ground back past the bowler for the second boundary of the over.

Suresh Raina's woes against off-spinners continue but this time he causes his own downfall with a reckless shot. He charges down the wicket to Patel but is beaten in the flight and is bowled for a duck.

That was unnecessary in the circumstances as Sunil Gavaskar rightly says on commentary "succumbed to pressure."

New Zealand are well and truly on top now.

Captain MS Dhoni punches it to point for one and Kohli gets a thick outside edge for another single. Kohli flicks the last ball of that over through midwicket for a boundary.
15:06  
- Scorecard

India: 158-4 (42 ovs), Target to win: 261

Patel comes on to bowl to Raina, who had some problems with off-spinners recently. He cuts the first ball to point and gets an inside edge off the next ball which goes to the keeper.

Rajneesh Gupta further points another interesting stat on Tendulkar on Twitter: "Out of the 24 Test innings he has played since England tour in 2011, Tendulkar has been dismissed BOWLED or LBW 12 times"

Patel bowls another maiden over to make it four maidens in a row.
15:03  
- Scorecard

India: 158-4 (41 ovs), Target to win: 261

India have two new batsmen out in the middle -- Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina -- and it won't be easy to get going on this pitch. The pacers are still getting some assistance with conditions still overcast and Jeetan Patel is also spinning the ball.

India need 109 runs to win with six wickets in hand but New Zealand's bowlers are giving it their best and making the hosts earn every run.

Kohli plays and misses outside the off-stump as he goes after a wide delivery from Boult, a dangerous shot under the circumstances. He keeps it just outside the off-stump hoping to force Kohli into a mistake or two,  but he is quite watchful at the moment. It's another maiden over for New Zealand, the third in a row as the pressure builds up on India.
14:57   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 158-4 (39.3 ovs), Target to win: 261

Following the wicket of Tendulkar, New Zealand have dented India further with the wicket of Pujara, who is caught at short leg for 48.

Pujara, who was having a few problems against the off-spinner, came forward to defend but inside edged it to Flynn close to the wicket.

Those two wickets have brought New Zealand back into the contest.
14:54   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 158-3 (38 ovs), Target to win: 261

Patel tossing it up, giving it a lot of air, and Pujara taps it back to the bowler. Two balls later he rocks back and punches a short ball through the covers for a four and defends the rest of the over.

Rajneesh Gupta
points out on Twitter that "This is the first time Tendulkar has been dismissed BOWLED in both innings of a Test at home - overall fourth such instance."

While cricket expert Ayaz Memon says on Twitter: "not a series Sachin will remember with any fondness for sure. Hard work ahead before the next series... "
14:47  
- Scorecard

India: 154-3 (37 ovs), Target to win: 261

That wicket of Tendulkar will give New Zealand a huge lift, with an experienced middle and lower order to follow barring Dhoni.

India need 109 runs to win. Another decent partnership will bring them closer to win while a couple of quick wickets will cause panic in the Indian dressing room.

Pujara looks to defend Patel who is giving it a lot of air. He gets a single courtesy of an overthrow as just one run comes in that over.

Southee tries the bouncer against Pujara, who leaves it to the keeper. The next ball is pitched up which the young batsman defends. The pacer tries the bouncer again and Pujara sways out of the way. The next ball is short and wide outside the off-stump and Pujara misses the cut before taking a single from the final ball to retain strike.
14:38   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 152-3 (35 ovs), Target to win: 261

Tendulkar edges Southee as he looks to play it through the off-side but it goes wide off the second slip fielder for a streaky boundary.

But Southee gets his man off the very next delivery. Tendulkar is once again bowled as he is beaten by the delivery that comes in. Southee tries the scrambled seam delivery that comes in after pitching and it breaks through Tendulkar's defences for the second time in the match.

The veteran is dismissed after scoring 27 from 34 balls to give the visitors some hope.

14:34  
- Scorecard

India: 148-2 (34 ovs), Target to win: 261

Play resumes after the rain break during which the tea interval was also taken. Pujara hits the last ball of Southee's over for a single to keep the strike.

Patel continues with his off-spin bowling. He gives it plenty of air as Pujara looks to defend and get his eye in and plays out a maiden over.

14:25   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 147-2 (32.5 ovs), Target to win: 261

RAIN STOPS PLAY

Play will resume at 2:30pm and might be extended till 5:30 if a result is likely.

Hold on! Just as the groundstaff look to take off the covers it's starts to drizzle again delaying the start of play further. Meanwhile, the tea break has been taken.

Play will resume soon. The covers are off and the Kiwis are out in the middle warming-up.
13:16   India 147-2 after being set 261 for victory
- Scorecard

India: 147-2 (32.5 ovs), Target to win: 261

RAIN STOPS PLAY

Southee gifts a wide short delivery to Tendulkar and the master batsman promptly despatches it through the covers for his third boundary, which takes him to 18.

He follows that up with another boundary, using the wrists to good effect as he steers behind point. Tendulkar then gets a single in the covers.

Pujara also takes a cue from his senior pro and punches the next delivery through the covers for the third boundary of the over.

But suddenly it has started to drizzle to halt India's progress as the umpires call the players off the field.

India are 147 for two in 32.5 overs, needing another 114 runs for victory with eight wickets in hand.

Tendulkar is unbeaten on 23 from 30 balls, while Pujara has made 41 from 77 balls, as the two batsmen have added 64 runs for the third wicket to put India in control.
13:07  
- Scorecard

India: 134-2 (32 ovs), Target to win: 261

Tendulkar then paddle sweeps Patel from the outside the off-stump to the fine leg region for a four to bring up the 50-run partnership for the third wicket from 86 balls.

Tendulkar edges the next ball to the point region for one.

Pujara gets another lifeline as he is beaten by the straighter one from Patel but stand-in keeper McCullum misses the stumping chance as Pujara's momentum carries him out of the crease.

Pujara is beaten again off the next delivery as Patel gets it to hold it's line again with the batsman expecting it to turn.

A good probing over from Patel as he troubles Pujara in that over.
13:03  
- Scorecard

India: 129-2 (31 ovs), Target to win: 261

Southee bowls a couple of full deliveries to Pujara and then sends down a quick bouncer which hits the right-hander on the helmet as it goes behind the keeper for four byes.

Tendulkar has a chat with Pujara after that ball, giving him a few tips.

Southee bowls another short ball, this time directed at his chest, which he turns around the corner for a single. A loud appeal against Tendulkar as he walks across his stumps and plays it on the leg side for one but the umpire turns it down.
12:58  
- Scorecard

India: 123-2 (30 ovs), Target to win: 261

Southee bowls it wide of the off-stump but Pujara lets it go. The pacer even tries a bouncer but Pujara drops his hands and sways out of the way. A disappointing over from Southee as he fails to make Pujara play in that over.

Off-spinner Patel into the attack now. Tendulkar cuts the first ball for a single and Pujara is dropped two balls later. The youngster (35) hits it straight to short leg fielder Daniel Flynn who fails to get down in time and complete the catch.

Pujara then rocks back and cuts a short ball that turns in sharply behind point to get two runs as India reach 123 for two in 30 overs.
12:49  
- Scorecard

India: 121-2 (28 ovs), Target to win: 261

Boult is replaced by Southee, who took seven for 64 in the first innings, as New Zealand look for a wicket in the second session.

New Zealand are trying to trap Pujara with the bouncer as they have a man at deep square leg. This time the right-hander ducks under the short delivery as Southee bowls from round the wicket and aims for his body.

Pujara seems to cut out the hook shoot for now as he sways away from a bouncer. He steers the final delivery towards point and takes a single to end the over.

In the next over, Pujara flicks a full delivery from Bracewell through midwicket for a boundary. He is not holding back on the short deliveries as he pulls Bracewell's next ball through square leg for another four and then takes the single.
12:39  
- Scorecard

India: 111-2 (26 ovs), Target to win: 261

Tendulkar is growing in confidence as he spends time at the crease. He gets his first boundary in great style as he punches Bracewell through the covers and then watches it speed to the ropes.

Bracewell responds with a bouncer but Tendulkar ducks under it quite easily and does it again off the next ball.


12:35   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 106-2 (25 ovs), Target to win: 261

Pujara is quick to pounce on a wide delivery from Boult which he sends crashing through the covers for a boundary. He flicks the next ball on the leg side to get two runs and brings up India's 100 in the 25th over.

The youngster then hits it again through the covers for another couple. Boult then tests him with a bouncer which Pujara tries to pull but top edges and it flies over the keeper for a four. Pujara is taking unnecessary risks at the moment by trying to pull short deliveries.
12:29   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 94-2 (24 ovs), Target to win: 261

Boult bowls it short on Tendulkar's body who fends it to fine leg with his gloves for a single. Pujara takes on a short delivery from Boult and pulls it over square leg for two. He was dismissed in the first innings trying to hook the short ball and once again he didn't look in control of the shot.

Tendulkar is hot on the pads by Bracewell as he looks to play it across the line on the leg side but the umpire is not interested as the ball looks to be sliding down.

Once again Tendulkar seems to be struggling against the moving ball, especially when it is coming in to him. The next ball is outside the off-stump and Tendulkar lets it go but Bracewell swings the next one in and the veteran gets his bat down in time to defend it to midwicket.

Tendulkar then flicks the next ball behind square on the leg side to pick up two runs. However, he shows some positive footwork, getting well forward to play a forward defensive shot straight to mid-off.
12:20   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 89-2 (22 ovs), Target to win: 261

New Zealand give Bracewell the ball instead of Southee, who bowled a testing spell before the lunch break. There is a short leg and slip point very close to Pujara in addition to the two slips and gully.

Pujara nearly obliges the silly point fielder, who barely has time to react to as the right-hander drops the ball on the off-side.

New Zealand trying to create pressure on Pujara as Bracewell bowls short and on his body, who is content to defend the ball back to the bowler.
12:20   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 88-2 (22 ovs), Target to win: 261

New Zealand give Bracewell the ball instead of Southee, who bowled a testing spell before the lunch break. There is a short leg and slip point very close to Pujara in addition to the two slips and gully.

Pujara nearly obliges the silly point fielder, who barely has time to react to as the right-hander drops the ball on the off-side.

New Zealand trying to create pressure on Pujara as Bracewell bowls short and on his body, who is content to defend the ball back to the bowler.
12:16   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 88-2 (20 ovs), Target to win: 261

Play resumes after the lunch break as Boult comes into bowl his eighth over. Pujara flicks the first ball on the leg side straight to the fielder but he is beaten off as the ball comes in sharply.

Pujara gets the first run of the session with a single on the leg side to end the over.
12:16   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 88-2 (20 ovs), Target to win: 261

Play resumes after the lunch break as Boult comes into bowl his eighth over. Pujara flicks the first ball on the leg side straight to the fielder but he is beaten off as the ball comes in sharply.

Pujara gets the first run of the session with a single on the leg side to end the over.
11:38   India 88-2 at lunch on Day 4
- Scorecard

India: 88-2 (20 ovs), Target to win: 261

LUNCH - DAY 4

India hold the upperhand after a good start going into the lunch break on day four. The hosts must be regretting that the openers were unable to carry on after their good start, having put on 77 runs in 11.5 overs for the opening wicket.

Sehwag made 38 from 33 balls, while Gambhir stroked 34 from 58 balls before both were guilty of throwing their wickets away.

New Zealand need to strike early after lunch else India could run away with the game in the post lunch session.
11:35   India 88-2 at lunch on Day 4
- Scorecard

India: 88-2 (20 ovs), Target to win: 261

LUNCH - DAY 4

This will be the last over of the morning session. Bracewell runs in to bowl to Pujara, who is beaten off the second ball as it holds its line slightly and goes very close to the edge as Pujara plays inside the line.

Pujara flicks the fifth ball on the leg side for one. Tendulkar is well forward as he defends the last ball of that session as India go to lunch at 88 for two in 20 overs. They need another 173 runs for victory with eight wickets in hand.

Pujara is unbeaten on 10 from 22 balls, while Tendulkar is yet to score after facing seven balls.

A total of 104 runs were scored in the morning session in 24.2 overs, while three wickets fell.
11:29  
- Scorecard

India: 87-2 (19 ovs), Target to win: 261

Sachin Tendulkar will face a few testing overs before lunch. Boult steaming into the veteran batsman who defends the first ball back to the bowler and lets the next go through to the keeper as it slants across him.

There is a huge appeal for LBW against Tendulkar as Boult gets the next ball to come in sharply but it is not ruled in his favour as the ball didn't come in enough.


11:25  
- Scorecard

India: 87-2 (18 ovs), Target to win: 261

Gambhir played really well till that point and one mistakes causes his downfall. Infact, both the Indian openers have failed to carry on after getting a good start and thrown their wickets away with some poor shots.

A good fightback by New Zealand to claim those two wickets after India had made a good start.

The struggling Sachin Tendulkar walks out to the middle to join young Pujara.

Pujara flicks Bracewell on the leg side to pick a couple and defends the next with a straight bat. He hits the last ball on the leg side to get a couple of runs.
11:20   NZ fightback after India's good start
- Scorecard

India: 83-2 (17 ovs), Target to win: 261

WICKET: Gambhir c Taylor b Boult 34 (58b, 7x4)

New batsman Cheteshwar Pujara breaks the shackles somewhat in streaky fashion as his thick outside edge off Bracewell goes past the slips for a four.

Bracewell is bowling just outside the off-stump and tempting Pujara to have a go at them but the youngster shows enough patience and watches it pass through to the keeper.

In the next over, Boult has a huge appeal for LBW against Gambhir turned down and replays clearly show that there was a big inside edge.

But Boult has his man two balls later. Gambhir steers a short wide delivery straight to Taylor at first slip after scoring 34 from 58 balls.
11:10   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 79-1 (15 ovs), Target to win: 261

Left-arm pacer Boult back into the attack. Gambhir defends the first ball on the off-side and lets the next two deliveries go to the keeper. Gambhir hits the fourth ball to mid-off while offering no stroke to the last two balls as Boult bowls a maiden over.

India's scoring has slowed down following the dismissal of Sehwag with just two runs coming from 19 balls after his wicket.

11:06  
- Scorecard

India: 79-1 (14 ovs), Target to win: 261

It remains to be seen if Gambhir changes his approach after Sehwag's dismissal. That wicket will surely give the Kiwis a lift.

Southee hits Gambhir on the pads but it hits him quite high on the pads. The left-hander is confidently forward to defend the next ball to the covers and lets the next one go.

Southee bowls a good over following that wicket for the first maiden of this innings.

Pujara plays Bracewell on the off-side to take a single which gets him off the mark. Two balls later Gambhir clips the pacer to the fine leg region for another single.
10:57   India lose first wicket
- Scorecard

India: 77-1 (12 ovs), Target to win: 261

WICKET: Sehwag b Patel 38 (33b, 7x4, 1x6)

Jeetan Patel into the attack and he will have his task cut out against the high flying Indian openers.

Sehwag takes no time to get going against Patel as he lofts the second ball over mid-off for the first six of the innings. Two balls later Sehwag rocks back and cuts it behind point for a boundary as India look to be running away with the game.

But Patel gets his revenge when he beats Sehwag and bowls him for a quickfire 38 from 33 balls.

Sehwag charged down the wicket but was beaten in the flight and missed the ball completely to be bowled. Sehwag look good for a big innings and he was certainly getting some easy runs but once again he throws his wicket away with a reckless and that is how Sehwag plays!
10:52  
- Scorecard

India: 67-0 (11 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Southee starts with a bouncer to Gambhir who gets out of the way and flicks the second ball to the fine leg region for one. Sehwag defends the next ball before steering the final ball to the deep point fielder for one.


10:46  
- Scorecard

India: 65-0 (10 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

New Zealand's hopes of winning the Test match are disappearing fast as the Indian openers continue to pile on the runs.

India are in control, having scored 65 runs from ten overs with Sehwag on 27 from 24 balls (6 fours) and Gambhir on 32 from 36 balls (7 fours).


10:44   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 65-0 (10 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Sehwag is living dangerously. Sehwag lashes at a wide delivery and it flies past the slips for a boundary despite a good effort from the gully fielder.

Bracewell tries a short ball at Sehwag but it is down the leg side and the right-hander helps it round the corner for a boundary to the fine leg region.

Sehwag then slaps the last ball down the ground to make it three fours in that over.
10:41  
- Scorecard

India: 53-0 (9 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Sehwag tries to flirt with a wide delivery from Southee, who is back to replace Boult, that moves a bit but he is comprehensively beaten off the next ball as he tries to force it from his crease without any real footwork.

He then takes a quick single on the off-side before Gambhir flicks it through midwicket for a couple.

The best part about Gambhir's batting so far has been his positive footwork and he has hogged most of the strike.
10:34   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 50-0 (8 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Doug Bracewell into the attack and he replaces Southee, who was hit for 18 runs in three overs. Gambhir gets a thick outside edge off the first delivery and a good stop from Williamson at second slip saves some runs. Gambhir punches the third ball down the ground beating the fielder at mid-off for his sixth boundary of the innings.

Gambhir gets another boundary off the next ball as he once again sends the ball crashing through the cover region.

India are sitting pretty on 50 for no loss after eight overs with Gambhir hitting 30 from 33 balls and Sehwag on 14.

The first 50-run opening partnership between Sehwag and Gambhir after 12 innings.
10:29   India need 261 to win 2nd Test
- Scorecard

India: 42-0 (7 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Gambhir is looking in good touch. He slams Boult for back to back boundaries through the covers as the left-hander goes after the width on both occasions.

He gets a leg bye on the leg side off the final ball as India give the Kiwis lot to worry about with their quickfire start.
10:24  
- Scorecard

India: 33-0 (6 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Sehwag hits the first balls from Southee straight to the fielders on the off-side before finding the gap to perfection off the fourth delivery in the covers for another boundary.

Southee then bowls a good delivery that beats Sehwag outside the off-stump and forces him to defend the last ball of that over.
10:20  
- Scorecard

India: 29-0 (5 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Sehwag flicks the first ball from Boult to the fine leg region for one. Gambhir defends the next ball on the off-side and plays the next one straight to the fielder at square leg.

Gambhir ends the over with a cracking boundary through the covers and once again his feet are right up to the delivery.
10:16  
- Scorecard

India: 24-0 (4 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Gambhir has been quite positive with his footwork. Once again he gets his front foot across and whips Southee through midwicket for a four. The second ball he offers no shot as it goes through to the keeper and does the same for the next two balls.

Gambhir has to be careful with leaving deliveries as that cost him his wicket in the first innings. He is cautious for the rest of the over after that boundary off the first ball.

India are off to a good start with 24 runs after four overs.
10:11   NZ 248 all out in 2nd innings
- Scorecard

India: 20-0 (3 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Boult comes on to the bowl the third over. Sehwag defends the first three balls before slapping the fourth through the covers for his second boundary. The next ball is a beauty as Sehwag is beaten outside the off-stump.
10:07   NZ 248 all out in 2nd innings
- Scorecard

India: 16-0 (2 ovs), Target to win: 261

NZ 365 and 248 vs India 353

Sehwag starts off in some style as he flicks a full delivery from Tim Southee through the square leg for a four. The second ball takes off and moves a great deal as Sehwag tries to fend but it goes way down the leg side past wicketkeeper McCullum for five wides.

Sehwag defends the next ball to the covers and takes an easy single.

10 runs from that Southee over as India are off to a good start in the second innings.


10:00  
- Scorecard

India: 6-0 (1 over), Target to win: 261

NZ 2nd inns: 248 all out (73.2 ovs) & 365 vs India 353

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir walk out to open the innings as India are set a challenging total of 261 on a pitch still giving the pacers a fair bit of assistance.

Trent Boult to bowl the first over. The first ball is on the pads which Gambhir plays gently to midwicket but drives the second ball confidently through the covers and gets two runs.

Gambhir defends the third ball before letting the fourth ball go through to the keeper. Boult gives him some room and Gambhir quick to smash him through the covers with some positive footwork, while offering no shot to the last ball.
09:54   100th Test wicket for Zaheer in India
- Scorecard

NZ 2nd inns: 248 all out (73.2 ovs) & 365 vs India 353

INDIA NEED 261 RUNS TO WIN THE TEST MATCH

Jeetan Patel walks off shaking his head in disbelief and replays confirm that the ball missed the edge of the stumps. He has made a good contribution with the bat, scoring a brisk 22 from 27 balls, adding 26 runs for the final wicket with Trent Boult, who made four.

That dismissal gave Zaheer his 100th Test wicket in India become the ninth bowler to achieve the feat.

With the conditions still giving the pacers some help, India will not find it easy to chase 261 runs though they have a lot of time in hand to plan their chase.

Ashwin was India's hero with the ball as he took five for 69, while Ojha (2 for 49) and Yadav (2 for 68) contributed with vital wickets.
09:54   Patel out for 22
- Scorecard

NZ 2nd inns: 248 all out (73.2 ovs) & 365 vs India 353

INDIA NEED 261 RUNS TO WIN THE TEST MATCH

Patel gives himself room and tries to force Zaheer through the off-side but misses. He is dismissed off the next ball as Zaheer gets a short delivery to move just enough to take the edge to Dhoni.

Patel is dismissed for 22 as New Zealand are bowled for 248 in their second innings.
09:49  
- Scorecard

NZ 2nd inns: 248-9 (73 ovs) & 365 vs India 353

After a disappointing first over on the third morning Yadav is replaced by Ojha as the New Zealand last pair give the Indians something to think about.

Ojha starts with a horror delivery way down the leg side which Patel lets go and then picks a single to square leg.

India bring the fielders up for Boult who defends the remaining four deliveries of that over. 
09:48   Patel takes on Indian bowlers
- Scorecard

NZ 2nd inns: 247-9 (72 ovs) & 365 vs India 353

That was a disappointing over from Yadav as he hardly tested the two batsmen, bowling it short and was easily kept out.

Zaheer starts with a full wide delivery which Boult lets go and then drops the second ball on the off-side for a single. Patel then uses the long handle to good effect as he lofts Zaheer back over his head for a boundary.

Zaheer then switches to round the wicket and it is on the rib cage which Patel defends on the leg side for one.

Boult now tries to slog Zaheer on the leg side but gets an inside edge for two runs as Yadav makes a good diving stop on the ropes at fine leg.

NZ gets 10 runs from that over as the lead grows to 259 runs.
09:37  
- Scorecard

NZ 2nd inns: 239-9 (71 ovs) & 365 vs India 353

India having pacers from both ends to take advantage of the early morning conditions. Umesh Yadav comes in to bowl the second over. Patel and Boult both take a single each from the first two deliveries as Yadav bowls it a bit short.

The third one is also a bouncer but it doesn't get up at all and slides down the leg side. Patel whips a full delivery on the pads over the midwicket fielder for a boundary to take the lead past the 250-run mark.

As expected Yadav bowls a bouncer next ball but Patel ducks under it easily to end the over.
09:33   NZ lead by 245 runs with 1 wicket in hand
- Scorecard

NZ 2nd inns: 233-9 (70 ovs) & 365 vs India 353

There is a chance of some rain today, says the weather forecast. India will be looking to claim the final wicket and wrap up the New Zealand second innings quickly.

Meanwhile, R Ashwin is just one wicket away from inching closer to a personal milestone. He needs just one wicket to become the first bowler to complete 50 wickets in eight Tests.

Zaheer to bowl the first over of the day in overcast conditions. He starts from over the wicket with a short delivery which Jeetan Patel lets go to the wicketkeeper. The second one is pitched up and a bit wide tempting Patel to have a go but he misses. He nudges the fourth ball on the leg side for a quick single to get New Zealand underway on day three.

Right-hander Trent Boult, who bowls left-handed defends the last two deliveries to end the first over of the day.
image
09:21   NZ lead by 244 runs with 1 wicket in hand
- Scorecard

NZ 2nd inns: 232-9 (69 ovs) & 365 vs India 353

NZ are 232 for nine in 69 overs for an overall lead of 244 runs with their number 10 batsman Jeetan Patel (10) and number 11 Trent Boult (nought) at the crease.

Ashwin once again proved to be New Zealand's tormentor, claiming five for 69 in 22 overs, his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests.

Batsman Virat Kohli, who completed his second test century on Day 3, said India had enough time to chase down any target with two more days left in the match.

"When you have a lot of time you don't have to think about the target, you just play normal cricket," Kohli said.

"I don't think the wicket is doing so much that we have to be worried about the target that's been set.

"If we think to bat three-four sessions, we should be in a good position to win the match."

TOP STORIES