New Zealand v India, 3rd Test, Wellington, 4th day Highlights

New Zealand 197 and 167 for 4 (Taylor 69*) need another 450 runs to beat India 379 and 434 for 7 dec (Gambhir 167, Laxman 61, Dravid 60, Dhoni 56*)

There was a world record for Rahul Dravid and four wickets before tea but a combination of bad light and an obdurate fifth-wicket partnership held up India’s victory charge at the Basin Reserve after they had set New Zealand a target of 617. Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh took two wickets apiece and New Zealand’s hopes of surviving into the final day rested largely with Ross Taylor, who played some swashbuckling strokes on his way to 69. He added 83 with James Franklin to rebuild the innings, and when played was called off 21 overs early, the draw remained a viable option. Earlier, India had batted till drinks in an extended 150-minute morning session, adding 85 to their overnight score of 349 for 5 before Zaheer traded bat and pads for the shiny new ball.

Martin Guptill and Taylor had taken the score to 84 when a sensational over from Harbhajan put India in command. Bowling from round the wicket, he got drift, bounce and sharp turn. Guptill, who had played some lovely drives and a couple of punishing pulls for six, was one short of his half-century when Harbhajan trapped him in front with one that turned sharply. Two balls later, Jesse Ryder completed a poor Test by nicking one low to Dravid at slip.

Part I

Part II

Part III