IND vs NZ, 2nd Test, Day 4

AFP

Proceedings have been stalled with India on 147/2 against New Zealand after a steady drizzle stopped play. Pujara and Tendulkar have been solid in the middle.

TEA: India 147/2

Pujara and Tendulkar, after seeing off some hostile bowling settled nicely to pick up the scoring rate. The latter, in particular, was severe on Tim Southee, picking up two boundaries off the first innings bowling hero.

Pujara, after failing in the first essay, seemed to have picked up from his Hyderabad ton, defening and attacking with conviction.

LUNCH: India 88/2

India openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir gave their side a flying start in pursuit of a victory target of 261 in the second Test against New Zealand.
Sehwag made a blistering 38 in an opening stand of 77 in under 12 overs with Gambhir (34) as India reached lunch on the fourth day on 88 for two, needing another 173 runs for victory in Bangalore.
Earlier, New Zealand, starting the penultimate day on 232 for nine in their second innings, added 16 for their final wicket before they were dismissed for 248 when Jeetan Patel was caught behind off the bowling of Zaheer Khan for 22.
That left India with a testing target to claim a 2-0 series victory but Sehwag and Gambhir were quickly on the attack in the run chase.
Sehwag smashed seven fours and a six off just 32 balls before he was the first wicket to fall when he was bowled by Patel.
New Zealand then made a second breakthrough six runs later when Gambhir edged Trent Boult to Ross Taylor at first slip, the left-hander having faced 58 balls and struck seven fours.
That brought Sachin Tendulkar to the crease and he was unbeaten on nought at lunch, with Cheteshwar Pujara 10 not out.

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Pitch: The cracks have opened up, batting will become difficult. "Odd ball will climb up and keep low," said Sunil Gavaskar. "It will not be easy to score 250 on this strip," he further added.

Weather: Overcast and windy conditions. Possibility of showers later in the day.