Post-lunch, India progressed slowly to 148 for 3 adding 73 runs in 28 overs.
After the dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane slowly stitched 48 runs. Virat Kohli on 45 and Ajinkya Rahane on 19 are at the crease.
Rahane completes 2000 runs in Test cricket. He thus became the 36th player to score those many runs for India.
Post-lunch, the early dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara for a well-made 41 didn’t deter Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. They both tackled the Kiwi bowlers cautiously and India are placed at 119 for 3 with Kohli 32 and Rahane 3 are at the crease.
The New Zealand bowler Santner breaks the partnership by dismissing Cheteshwar Pujara for 41. India loses their third wicket for 100. Rahane is the new man.
The Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t let the Kiwi bowlers to make further inroads by stitching a patient partnership. After 35 overs, India are 99 for 2 with Kohli on 15 and Pujara on 41 still at the crease.
Post-lunch, the Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara played cautious cricket and frustrated the Kiwi bowlers. India are 84 for 2 with Kohli on 11 and Pujara on 33 at the crease.
After electing to bat first, India started on a strong note with Murali Vijay and Gautam Gambhir scored some brisk runs. But the introduction of spin in the fifth over got immediate breakthrough for New Zealand.
Jeetan Patel dismissed Murali Vijay for 10 and there was sudden drop in the run-rate for India.
After a partnership of 34 runs between Gambhir and Pujara, Trent Boult removed Gambhir for 29.
There was no further luck for the New Zealand bowlers as Pujara and Kohli saw through some anxious moments and India are placed at 75 for 2 at lunch.
India scored their first 50 runs in 12 overs and then only 15 in 10 overs besides the all important wicket of Gambhir. What a comeback from the Kiwi bowlers.
The New Zealand bowlers bounced back to remove Gautam Gambhir for 29. Trent Boult is the bowler. Virat Kohli is the new man in. India are 60 for 2
After the dismissal of Murali Vijay, Gautam Gambhir and Cheteshwar Pujara held fort for India and did not allow the Kiwi bowlers to dominate them. They both added 26 runs. Gambhir, in particular, is playing beautifully and look to score a big one in this game as he comes back into the side after two years. India are 52 for 1.
