MX23RW : Sunday, June 30 16:09:36| >> :120:20534:20534:

India turn the screw on New Zealand

New Zealand struggle to find partnerships as India close in on victory in the second Test in Wellington.

India are edging closer to victory in the second Test in Wellington, as New Zealand struggled to eat into the tourists' healthy first-innings advantage, losing lost three wickets before lunch.

Zaheer Khan of India appeals for an LBW call on Hamish Rutherford of New Zealand during day 2 of the 2nd International Test cricket match between New Zealand and India in Wellington at the Basin Reserve on February 15, 2014© Getty Images

With the hosts starting the morning session on 24-1 – a deficit of 222 – Zaheer Khan (3-28) took the wickets of Kane Williamson (7) and Hamish Rutherford (35) in the first hour, leaving the Kiwis reeling and needing to pile on big runs in order to force a result.

Debutant Tom Latham tried to fight back with 29 off 64 balls before falling to Mohammed Shami, while captain Brendan McCullum (14 off 59) struggled to score runs early in his innings despite getting through the session unbeaten.

However, the hosts trailed by 158 at lunch with only six second-innings wickets intact, as India largely limited scoring opportunities and reduced New Zealand to 87-4.

New Zealand won the first Test in Auckland last week.

ID:138510: cacheID:138510:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2716:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Ajinkya Rahane of India bats during day 2 of the 2nd International Test cricket match between New Zealand and India in Wellington at the Basin Reserve on February 15, 2014
Read Next:
India build 222-run lead
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Sunday, June 30
 
8pm
Monday, July 1
 
5pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, July 2
 
8pm
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!