Bangalore: Ravichadran 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, on Sunday.
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.
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.
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 Tamil Nadu offie began the post-tea session by claiming Daniel Flynn’s wicket for 31, 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.
Earlier in the day, India’s hero from Saturday, Virat Kohli was dismissed just after reaching his second Test century by Tim Southee.
The Kiwi pacer had a very good day, taking seven Indian wiclets for 64.
He also accounted for MS Dhoni, but only after the Indian captain reached his fifty. Ashwin also contribute a handy 32. (PTI)