Ahmedabad: In a dramatic twist, India found themselves in real danger of losing after a stunning top-order collapse left them tottering at 82 for six in their second innings of the first cricket Test against New Zealand, here today.
After dismissing New Zealand for 459 in the first innings for a slender lead of 28, the hosts were left in total disarray in the second innings with lanky paceman Chris Martin doing most of the damage with figures of five for 25.
India were 110 runs ahead of the visitors at close of play on the penultimate day. The Indians were precariously placed at 15 for five at one stage but Mahendra Singh Dhoni (22) and VVS Laxman (34 batting) steadied the innings momentarily with a 50-run sixth wicket partnership before the Indian captain also perished at the fag end of the day.
Laxman and Harbhajan Singh (12 batting) were at the crease at stumps on a highly eventful day which saw as many as 11 wickets fall on the Sardar Patel track which still had no demons for the batsmen.
With just one day left in the match, all three results could be possible. India's first task would be to bat to safety and if they have enough runs on the board, they could push for a victory also.
New Zealand did a remarkable job to almost match India's first innings total with debutant Kane Williamson (131) anchoring the innings brilliantly while captain Daniel Vettori (41) chipping in with a useful contribution.
Text: PTI
Images: AP
Image: New Zealand's Chris Martin, left, celebrates with teammate Brendon McCullum the dismissal of India's Rahul Dravid
Scorecard | India vs New Zealand
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