India have edged closer to victory thanks to a valuable fourth-wicket partnership against New Zealand in Auckland, but have had to face a disciplined Kiwi attack that leaked few runs at the start of the morning session.
Resuming on 87-1 in pursuit of a target of 406, the tourists lost Cheteshwar Pujara early off the bowling of Tim Southee (2-29) and the all-rounder continued to probe the top order as the run rate dropped.
New Zealand, who collapsed to 105 all out after opting to bat again when they could have enforced the follow-on yesterday, continued to keep their bowling tight during the first hour in particular.
However, Virat Kohli (55) and Shikhar Dhawan (81) showed patience as the hosts bowled in the corridor of uncertainty outside off-stump and began to settle into their innings well, with the required number of runs reducing gradually.
As lunch approached, Kohli and Dhawan freed their arms as boundaries began to arrive in abundance against an increasingly frustrated New Zealand attack as they ended the session 180-2, still trailing by 226.
India will be hopeful to press on with wickets remaining, but will be weary on this Eden Park pitch having only mustered 202 in their first innings.
Chris O'Keefe
