Second Test headed for close finish

Ravichadran Ashwin scalped five wickets as New Zealand managed an overall lead of 244 after an absorbing third day's play to leave the second and final cricket Test against India interestingly poised, here today.

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 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

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 burly Tamil Nadu offie began post-tea session by claiming Daniel Flynn's wicket soon after tea for 31 (65 balls 4s-6) 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.

Yadav also intimidated pocket-sized NZ keeper Krugner van Wyk with short-pitched stuff. Van Wyk was struck on his helmet as he took eyes off a short delivery from Yadav prompting the physio to run in on to the ground to attend him. The 'keeper once again took a beating on his wrist in Yadav's next delivery.

Franklin and Van Wyk frustrated the home team bowlers with a gutsy 55-run stand for sixth wicket after the Black Caps were reduced to 140 for five at one stage. Van Wyk was foxed by Ashwin trapping him leg before for 31 with scorecard reading 195 for six.

... contd.

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