Second Test: Rahane’s century gives India control

Right-hander scores maiden Test ton as NZ struggle in Wellington.

WELLINGTON:

Ajinkya Rahane’s maiden test century helped India take firm control of the second test as New Zealand lurched to 24 for one at the close of play on the second day at the Basin Reserve on Saturday.

The hosts are still 222 runs behind India’s first innings of 438 and face an uphill battle to save the match after opener Peter Fulton was trapped lbw for one by Zaheer Khan in the second over of their second innings.

The under pressure Hamish Rutherford was on 18 while Kane Williamson was on four at stumps. Rahane’s 118 had anchored India’s innings after opener Shikhar Dhawan had been dismissed for 98 in the first session while Virat Kohli (38) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (64) also chipped in with important partnerships with Rahane.

India were content to slowly build their lead and the only real fireworks in the afternoon session came when Dhoni belted four successive boundaries off Neil Wagner that provoked a mid-pitch discussion between the pair.

Hosts battle hard with the ball

New Zealand had dragged themselves back into the match in the morning session by capturing three wickets in quick succession. Night watchman Ishant Sharma, was eventually dismissed for 26 after he shared in a 52-run partnership with Shikhar Dhawan.

Dhawan, who had resumed on 71, moved through to 98 and attempted to go to his third test century with a flourish as he lashed at a full Southee delivery and was caught by wicket-keper BJ Watling to leave the dejected opener slowly trudging off. Jimmy Neesham then snapped up his first test wicket  to leave the visitors 165-5 and the hosts sniffing the possibility of a fight back.

Kohli and Rahane, however, consolidated to take India past New Zealand’s first innings and guided them to 201 for five at lunch.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.