India after bowling out New Zealand for just 193 runs were 292/2 at stumps on day2 to take firm control in the series decider third test match against New Zealand. With two great players Rahul Dravid (69 runs) and Sachin Tendulkar (57 runs) is still at the crease and V.V.S Laxman, Suresh Raina, M.S.Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh still to bat, its looking really dark for New Zealand to turn this game in their favor. Only miracle can now save this game for New Zealand, with three days still left in the game now India will look forward to stretch the lead to 350 and put New Zealand under lot of pressure when they come out to bat in their second inning. Earlier New Zealand resume their overnight score of 147/7 in hope that some how B.McCullum will help the team to post a good looking total but few overs later that dream got shattered as Ishant Sharma sent B.McCullum (40 runs) to the pavilion with the beauty of delivery. However a cameo from T.Southee helped New Zealand to get closer to 200 run marks. Southee hit three sixes, two of those in an over by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. Ishant Sharma in his comeback game was delighted with the figure of (4/43), P.Ojha also picked up three crucial wicket while Sreesanth picked two and Harbhajan was awarded with wicket of J.Ryder. In reply, as usual Virendra Sehwag came out with all guns blazing smashing 74 runs off just 73 balls to put 113 runs for the first wicket in just 23.1 overs with Gautam Gambhir (78 runs off 127 balls). Sehwag who was looking in superb touch hit New Zealand skipper Vettori for one huge six over long-on to bring up his 26th half-century. He also hit Vettor for three consecutive fours in an over but later dismissed by New Zealnad skipper returning a tame catch to him. Gautam Gambhir who started his inning cautiously, looked aggressive after Sehwag dismissal and gain his confidence shot after shot. He reached his fifty with a loft over mid-on, following it up by going back and cutting the same bowler, Vettori. With India one short of New Zealand total, Gambhir chased a wide delivery from Southee which was caught brilliantly by Ross Taylor. However two experienced players join together and without any loss of wicket guided India to a very string position at the end of second days play from where India can push for victory in series decider. Sachin Tendulkar who is now required just 43 more runs to become the first batsmen to score 50 century in history of test cricket. Match Summary (Stumps Day2) New Zealand 1st Inning– 193/10 in 66.3 Overs J.Ryder- 59 B.McCullum– 40 I.Sharma– 18-4-43-4 P.Ojha- 19.3-2-57-3 India 1st Inning– 292/2 in 82 Overs G.Gambhir- 78 V.Sewag– 74 T.Southee– 13-3-41-1 D.Vettori- 30-3-101-1 |
