Kanpur: India almost clinched a victory against New Zealand on the fifth day of the Kanpur Test on Monday through Ravichandran Ashwin (3/35) and Ravindra Jadeja (4/40) who closed in for a victory despite strong resolve from the Kiwis but debutant Rachin Ravindra who played out 91 deliveries for 18 and Ajaz Patel( 2 off 23) showed superb resilience helping the visitors draw the match to narrowly escape from a defeat.
In reply to India’s 345 in the first innings, the Kiwis were bundled out for 296 thanks to the stellar displays from India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel. The hosts, despite a 49 run lead were once felt the chills of a possible defeat on the fourth day after being reduced to 103/6 however debutant Shreyas Iyer who had earlier scored a century joined hand with Wriddhiman Saha(61*) to bring India back into the game setting up a target of 284.
The Kiwis started the final day with an overnight score 4/1 and were to face the havoc created by the spin duo Ashwin and Axar. Tom Latham(52) despite losing his fellow opener Will Young the other day showed ice cool temperament again and together with nightwatchman William Somerville(36) played out the 1st session ensuring New Zealand get chance to save the match.
India’s bowling unit especially spinners looked frustrated at the stroke of lunch having unable to tame visitors early on.
Though Umesh Yadav broke the stand on the first ball after the break sending Somerville home thanks to stunning effort at the boundary by Subhman Gill, skipper Kane Williamson and Latham did stretch a bit the until the spinners came into their usual first removing Latham who scored a fighting half-century and then the veteran Ross Taylor.
The floodgates opened after the Tea break, as the Kiwis lost skipper Williamson, Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell cheaply leaving their tails exposed in the final session against the spin bowling trio hungry for a victory.
However, Ravindra and Ajaz, the last pair showed tremendous temperament holding their nerves until bad light intervened helping New Zealand salvage themselves.
Brief Scores: India 345 all-out & 234/7 decl. vs New Zealand 296 all out & 165/9. Match Drawn.
