New Zealand on top as India strive for early breakthrough
Brendon McCullum racked up a massive century on the final day of the second Test against India in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hyderabad-c792, to all but ensure a creditable draw for New Zealand against the world’s top Test side.
Overnight batsmen Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum put on a fascinating display of shots in a crucial 118-run partnership. The pair anchored their team out of danger, as they made the opposition bowlers’ toil hard to guide New Zealand to a total of 339
for four at lunch.
The highlight of the second innings for New Zealand has been the breathtaking century from the willow of McCullum. The Kiwi batsman used his killer instincts to dent Indian’s hopes of winning the second Test. His blazing stroke play compelled the Indians
to spread the field around, which took the pressure off the tourists. McCullum stroked the ball to all corners of the park in his 171-run innings, devastating the Indian bowling attack at will to steal the show from the number one team in the world.
Williamson, who is playing only his second Test match, looked at ease under the immense pressure of saving the game. The right hand batsman struck a resilient 66-run innings and provided valuable support to McCullum.
For the Indian bowlers, it has been a story of struggle and hard work as the visitors mastered them, despite being in a tough situation. The batsmen especially came down hard on the Indian spinners, who were taken to the cleaners in the first session of
play despite the amount of turn and uneven bounce the wicket was offering.
The Indian attack was also missing premier quick bowler Zaheer Khan, who picked up four wickets earlier in the game, for the second innings after he was ruled out of the match due to a side strain.
Previously, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 gained a significant 122-run first innings lead courtesy of Harbhajan Singh’s century, to put the visiting team in a tight spot.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 resumed on their overnight score of 237 for four wickets, trailing by 122-runs. The Kiwi openers Tim McIntosh and Brendon McCullum helped the tourists overcome the deficit with a 125-run stand in only 35 overs.
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