Chasing 132 to win, New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Tom Blundell scored half-centuries as the hosts beat India by seven wickets in the second Test to whitewash the two-match series on Monday. Latham and Blundell added 103 runs for the opening wicket, putting them on course for a huge win. Indian bowlers picked three quick wickets, with New Zealand win all but sealed. Earlier, India resumed day at 90/6 in their second innings and added 34 runs in 10 overs before the innings folded for 124 runs. India batters didn't have any answers to New Zealand's quality fast bowling unit. Trent Boult finished with 4/28 and Tim Southee took 3/36. Hanuma Vihari was first to fall in Southee's second over when he turned a leg-side delivery too fine and was caught by wicket-keeper BJ Watling diving to his left. Five balls later and with no addition to the score, India's other overnight batsman Rishabh Pant was caught behind off a Boult delivery that swung away. Ravindra Jadeja sneaked a single after being dropped by Watling off Southee, but the New Zealand swing bowler had Mohammed Shami pull his next ball straight to Blundell at deep midwicket. Jasprit Bumrah was the last to fall, run out when trying to give the strike to Jadeja who was unbeaten on 16.
Highlights Between New Zealand vs India 2nd Test Day 3, straight from Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 08:05 (IST)Bumrah removes Blundell for 55!Jasprit Bumrah gets the ball to nip back in sharply and it takes Tom Blundell's off stump and he is also charged up. But wait... the umpires are checking for the over-stepping and it looks extremely close. But finally the TV umpire decides to give the benefit of doubt to the bowler as India pick third wicket in quick succession.
- 06:07 (IST)New Zealand enter lunch at 46/0!New Zealand openers Tom Blundell and Tom Latham have got their side to a strong position with their unbeaten opening-wicket stand. Indian fast bowlers bowled well only in patches and failed to get the same amount of help from the pitch as their counterparts did this morning. The hosts need 86 runs to win the second Test and wrap the two-match series 2-0.