Rain Saves Black Caps But India's 41-Year Wait Is Over

India 379 (Tendulkar 62) & 434-7 dec. (Gambhir 167) v

New Zealand 197 (Zaheer Khan 5-65) & 281-8 (Taylor 107)

Third Test, Basin Reserve, Wellington, day five: stumps

Rain arrived to ensure that the third and final Test between New Zealand and India at the Basin Reserve was drawn, but India celebrated a 1-0 series win, their first Test series win in New Zealand in 41 years.

There was little doubt that they would have taken the series 2-0 had the bad weather not closed in, wiping out much of the final session with New Zealand hanging on at 281 for eight in their second innings having been asked to chase 619.

Ross Taylor converted his overnight 69 into 107, a fourth Test century for him before he was bowled by Harbhajan Singh, who finished with four for 59 and although James Franklin (49) helped him add 142 for the fifth wicket, there was little futher resistance from the home side.

Harbhajan had Tim Southee caught behind for three and a couple of wickets for first innings top scorer Sachin Tendulkar put India on the brink of the win. They were good wickets too, as he had Franklin trapped in front and Brendon McCullum caught by Rahul Dravid.

Rain or no rain in the air, Iain O'Brien was going to play some shots, and he hit four fours to remain unbeaten on 19 from 17 balls, with his captain Daniel Vettori on 15 when the covers were called for.

India finally celebrated the series win some two and a half hours after play was suspended, with Gautam Gambhir named man of the match for his second innings knock of 167 that allowed India to build a huge lead.

India won the first match in Hamilton by ten wickets before the match in Napier was drawn.

© Cricket World 2009

 

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